weekend afr article , page-2

Looks like they are getting the pr happening too.


Conference to showcase exciting research

30 October 2009

Ground-breaking research in areas ranging from sustainability and technology to health and creative writing will be presented at the University of the Sunshine Coast’s 2009 Research Conference on Monday 9 November.

Twenty-four academics and higher degree by research students will make presentations at this annual conference, which will have the theme: “Research to benefit society”.

The event from 8am to 5.30pm is open to the public and will promote the quality, impact and benefit of USC research to academic colleagues and to the wider community.

The conference spotlight will be on Professor of Aquaculture Biotechnology Abigail Elizur who recently received the 2009 Vice-Chancellor's Medal for Outstanding University Researcher.

Professor Elizur will outline her work at the Clean Seas Tuna facility, near Port Lincoln in South Australia, in achieving the world-first spawning of southern bluefin tuna in captivity.

This scientific breakthrough earlier this year is set to bring both commercial and environmental benefits, ensuring the continued supply of bluefin tuna while preserving wild fish stocks.

Keynote speaker at the USC conference will be Clean Seas Tuna Chairman Hagen Stehr AO, who brought together scientists from across Australia and around the world to help achieve the tuna spawning success after many years of hard work.

Mr Stehr will discuss the importance of researchers working cooperatively with industry, and will highlight the significant involvement of Professor Elizur and other USC scientists in the southern bluefin project.

— Terry Walsh