Recently, Mary attended the first open day of the High Resolution Plant Phenomics Centre at the CSIRO Plant Industry in their Black Mountain Laboratories.
“Today’s event is very exciting and further proof that the ACT is a powerhouse of scientific innovation, recognised worldwide for excellence in plant biology and agricultural research,” Mary said. “This centre is Australia’s world leading national facility applying high technology imaging, robotics and computing to plant analysis and crop breeding.”
The ACT Government committed more than one million dollars in funding to the joint CSIRO and Australian National University facility which, since its launch in August 2009, has already developed a reputation within the scientific community as a centre of excellence in plant research.
“Research such as this is critical to our nation’s ability to meet this century’s challenges, and I am proud that the ACT is leading the way in providing an environment conducive to such research,” Mary stated.
One great initiative has been an artist in residence, Ms Erica Seccombe, whose work, which was on display during the open day, reflects the connection between artistic and scientific creativity.
“It is gratifying to see the progress which has taken place here in such a short time. I am sure we will see the potential for this facility to address the global agricultural challenges of food security and climate change we face in the coming years,” Mary concluded.
Gallery 2010 Image 36
