Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon announced today (Friday, November 8) the publication of ‘Pioneering Research Progress – Highlights from the 2017 and 2019 Research Awards’.
The booklet is designed for a broad audience, which allows readers to access specific projects and view additional information through the department’s research dashboard. The projects are a selection from awards made under DAFM’s 2017 and 2019 Thematic Research Calls.
The 21 projects profiled in the publication reflect a broad range of areas, including climate action, environmental sustainability, safe and nutritious food processing, sustainable agriculture, and responsible forest management.
Minister Heydon said: “My department is a significant funder of public-good research, and a critical element of this is ensuring that the outputs of the research reach end users, whether farmers, advisors, policy makers or other industry stakeholders.”
“This publication highlights scientific breakthroughs across a wide range of areas of interest to these stakeholders, from reducing greenhouse gas emissions to methods of improving soil carbon sequestration, innovative food processing technologies, and much more besides,” Minister Heydon added.
Besides the actual research outcomes, the publication also demonstrates the breadth of research that is taking place which serves to advance the development and sustainability of the agri-food, forest and bioeconomy sector.
“Science Week allows us to celebrate science in our everyday lives. This publication is a testament to the scientific discoveries that can be translated into real-world applications, driving innovation and value-add in our food system.
“I wish to express my appreciation to all the researchers, postgraduate students, technicians, industry partners, and stakeholders who contributed to these important projects,” Minister Heydon added.
Science Week 2024 is a national celebration of science, taking place from November 10 until November 17. The theme of the week this year is harnessing the power of regeneration.
The ‘Pioneering Research Progress’ publication will be available to download from Monday, November 11.