Western Australia
August 29, 2008
The University of Western Australia is to establish an
International Centre for Plant Breeding Education and Research.
UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Robson said the centre would
play a vital role in addressing the looming global shortage in
plant breeding expertise.
"There is growing recognition that there is a need to develop
rapid crop breeding skills to help us adapt to climate change
and to secure the world's food supplies," he said.
"The new centre will provide much needed integrated expertise in
genetics, biotechnology and plant breeding. In effect, it will
help provide the next generation of professional plant breeders
for Australia, the Asia-Pacific region, and the Indian Ocean
rim.
"The new centre will form part of the University's Institute of
Agriculture and will significantly strengthen UWA's
contributions to Australian and international agriculture."
The International Centre for Plant Breeding Education and
Research will offer a four-year undergraduate science degree in
genetics and breeding - the only one of its kind at an
Australian university - and an undergraduate degree in
agricultural science, with a component of genetics and breeding.
Both degrees include training in crop agronomy, plant
physiology, biometrics and related disciplines. It will also
offer post-graduate study in genetics and plant breeding, as
well as in-service training for practising plant breeders or
seeds industry personnel. |
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