Agrifood Innovation Institute

On the eve of International Women's Day, we heard from this marvellous group of #WomenInAg about how they got into ag, challenges they've overcome and what we can do to support a more diverse and inclusive sector. We must continue to advocate for the inclusion of women in roles across the ag sector!

AFII's 2024 Highlights

Through the ANU-CSIRO Agrifood Collaboration Program, scientists from both institutions are working together to develop plant-inspired tech that helps industries, incl. fish farming and mining, to manage large volumes of wastewater.

shorturl.at/hsCfs
@scienceanu.bsky.social

Dr Cathy Foley wins major award for excellence in women's leadership Former Chief Scientist Dr Cathy Foley has been named as the national recipient of the Australian Awards for Excellence in Women’s Leadership.

👏Congratulations!

“[Dr Foley's] story serves as a powerful reminder that the scientific profession thrives on and benefits from the diverse contributions of women and people from all backgrounds...she has left an enduring impact on the global STEM community."

womensagenda.com.au/latest/dr-ca...

Power plants: the green way to sustain the global energy transition ANU scientist Professor Caitlin Byrt is harnessing the power of plants to create a sustainable future for people and the planet.

“If you had unrestricted time, energy or clean water you could fix anything,” Professor Caitlin Byrt says. “The issue is that we have limited time, energy resources and clean water.”

Here's how her research is solving some of our biggest environmental problems: science.anu.edu.au/news-events/...

At #evokeag in Brisbane. Proud to have @anuagrifood.bsky.social support students from several disciplines understand the challenges of the Agrifood sector. Including weight loss drugs!

Thanks to AFII Board members Ute Roessner, Hebbat Manhy, Rob Gordon and Ben Fargher for a stimulating conversation about key challenges facing the agrifood sector and the role for universities in solving them.

👱‍♀️Meet our Board >> agrifood.anu.edu.au/about/agrifo...

It was wonderful to welcome Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Secretary Adam Fennessy to ANU to learn more about the Department's priorities and how universities could contribute to addressing them.

150+ Nobel and World Food Prize Laureates have made an unprecedented plea for financial and political backing to develop “moonshot” tech to avert future hunger catastrophe. Will require 'mission-style' investments in fundamental and applied R&D. www.worldfoodprize.org/en/laureates...

Thanks to those who joined us for a marvellous evening of Food Science in the Pub!

Inspiring the ACT provides funding and support for science engagement in the ACT, with events running year-round.

For more information on running or attending an event >> www.linkedin.com/company/insp...

From the Director: Reflections on 2024 As 2024 comes to a close, it gives me great pride to reflect on the past 12 months and what the Agrifood Innovation Institute and wider Australian National University community have achieved.

Last @anuagrifood.bsky.social Director message for 2024. Outlines the areas in which the AFII, @scienceanu.bsky.social and wider Australian National Uni community have contributed to addressing complex challenges facing the agrifood sector.

agrifood.anu.edu.au/news-events/...

From the Director: Reflections on 2024 As 2024 comes to a close, it gives me great pride to reflect on the past 12 months and what the Agrifood Innovation Institute and wider Australian National University community have achieved.

The AFII team wishes everyone in our community a safe and relaxing break and we look forward to working with you all again in 2025 🌟

agrifood.anu.edu.au/news-events/...

ASC Christmas Lecture: THE CASE FOR HOPE Professor Joan Leach, the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science (CPAS), ANU will delvier a lecture on the case for hope in science communication

This lecture on the case for hope by Professor Joan Leach from @sci-comm-anu.bsky.social will be great way to end the year!
🗓️: 5.30pm 18th December at Smith's Alternative, Canberra & online

science.anu.edu.au/news-events/...

Quantum Brilliance raises $30 million for its diamond-powered computers Breakthrough Victoria and the National Reconstruction Fund invest in Quantum Brilliance's fresh $30 million investment round.

Great to see former AFII Hub member Quantum Brilliance securing such significant investment.

www.smartcompany.com.au/technology/q...

STEM Superstars step into the spotlight Four stellar ANU scientists have been recognised as STEM Superstars.

Congratulations to this remarkable group of Australian National University researchers, including our own @alisonrbentley.bsky.social
reporter.anu.edu.au/all-stories/...
@scienceanu.bsky.social

Really excited to be part of the 2025-2026 Superstars of STEM cohort representing @scienceanu.bsky.social @anuagrifood.bsky.social!

Alison Bentley | Science and Technology Australia Dr Alison Bentley Crop science researcher Australian National University Imagine a world in which everyone had access to safe, sufficient and sustainable food. This is the vision that inspires crop sc...

Congratulations to AFII Deputy Director @alisonrbentley.bsky.social on being named a Superstar of STEM! @scienceanu.bsky.social