Welcome to another edition of eChook!
In 2011, the Poultry CRC will focus on research and education outputs, including planning to fill the gaps in our programs not covered by our current projects. To this end, we will make a highly targeted call for research proposals later this year.
I have four significant events to highlight in this edition.
First, the Poultry CRC just had its First Year Visit from the Federal Government’s representatives, namely, Neville Stevens, the CRC Chair, and Kris Browne, DIISR Section Manager. The Visit reviewed the CRC’s governance and management processes, progress in research and education, involvement of participants in the CRC activities, and any key challenges the CRC may be facing. I’m glad to say the CRC passed with flying colours.
Secondly, the Poultry CRC’s research outcomes featured heavily in this year’s Australian Poultry Science Symposium, held recently at the University of Sydney. To foster greater interaction amongst new comers and the old timers, we hosted a “CRC Postgraduate BBQ” which introduced all the students to scientists and industry people attending the Symposium. It was very well received. At the Symposium, we also presented the CRC Postgraduate Award. This year’s competition was very strong with a number of papers hardly distinguishable from each other in their quality of science and presentation. Thanks to our ten experienced judges, the award went to Ms Joana Engel from The University of Melbourne. So congratulations, Joana!
Thirdly, I would like to congratulate Dr Pat Blackall, our Research Manager, who received a Queensland Government Public Service Medal. Pat was rightly recognised for his “outstanding public service to Queensland’s primary industries and science through innovative research into the bacterial diseases of poultry, pigs and cattle”
Last, but not least, I am sad to announce that our Communication Manager, Mr Chris Day, is leaving us to take up a position in Newcastle. Chris has run our communications portfolio very successfully. Among his lasting legacies at the CRC, Chris has been instrumental in building our information portal Poultry Hub (poultryhub.org), setting up our online project management system on smartsheet.com, and writing our newsletter eChook. We will miss him greatly but wish him the very best in the future!
Mingan
