The Centre for Biodiversity Analysis connects biodiversity scientists, students and their research across ANU, CSIRO and the University of Canberra. These networks and linkages enabled by the CBA have assisted with a newly funded training centre in plant biosecurity.

A big congratulations to Professor Peter Solomon from ANU, who will lead the ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre in Plant Biosecurity ($5M), along with University of Canberra’s Professor Dianne Gleeson as Co-Director and other colleagues from the ANU, University of Canberra and CSIRO. Other partners include James Cook University, Research and Development Corporations (RDCs), industry representatives, Commonwealth, State and Territory governments, and research and technology organisations.

This funding has been granted through the 2023 ARC Industrial Transformation Research Program (ITRP), a program designed to facilitate collaborations between university researchers and industry partners in critical areas for Australia's growth and development.

The ARC Training Centre in Plant Biosecurity aims to deliver a solution for Australia’s increasing biosecurity risk through generational change in its workforce coupled with breakthrough technologies. It will launch an innovative training program for future leaders who will build relationships with end users and engage meaningfully with communities for effective implementation strategies.

Expected outcomes include a cohort of highly skilled graduates that will innovate novel diagnostic technologies, enable data-driven decision platforms and address barriers to biosecurity adoption. This suite of graduates and technologies will transform the plant biosecurity sector to protect Australia’s $5.7 trillion natural and productive ecosystems.

Last year the CBA hosted a 3-day intensive biosecurity-focused workshop for 40 biosecurity practitioners from government agencies across Australia, showcasing our training and capacity building expertise in support of the training centre bid.