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Questions On Notice Questions on notice are usually asked when a more detailed answer is required and are in writing, and are forwarded by the Clerk of the Parliament to the relevant Minister who prepares a written answer which is presented to Parliament.
Revolutionary Science forum |
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| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Jun 24 2008 |
| Questions On Notice >> |
MR LAWLOR asked the Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries (MR MULHERIN)-
QUESTION:
How will the recent 'Revolutionary Science' forum, facilitated by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, assist in encouraging more students to enter into agri-science studies?
ANSWER:
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries' (DPI&F) signature event this year for Primary Industries Week was called 'Revolutionary Science'. Held on Friday, 9 May 2008, DPI&F hosted the forum to entice more students into considering a career in agri-science.
This was achieved by bringing DPI&F's younger, 'role model' scientists to some of the brightest science students in Queensland. DPI&F partnered with the Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology, who invited six other local high schools with intensive science programs to attend the event at their campus. Over two sessions, 600 invited guests and students were treated to exciting presentations about real-life applications of science. These presentations were supported by fully interactive displays and two three-dimensional models of the Boggo Road Ecosciences Precinct and the Coopers Plains Health and Food Sciences Precinct.
DPI&F was also extremely pleased to have the involvement of AgForce, the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and University of Queensland Gatton - just three of our partners in the rural skills challenge we face. The ultimate aim was to highlight that careers in agricultural science are integral to Queensland's future and that we are ideally placed to provide global leadership in science to benefit both Australian producers and importantly, some of the world's poorest countries. DPI&F sees a great opportunity for young people to be a part of the solution to address the world food crisis-but with declining numbers of agri-science enrolments throughout Australia, all industry players must take on the challenge of inspiring young people to enter agri-science. For DPI&F at this particular event, it was all about getting out of the laboratory and showing students the high-tech and fascinating science of our rural industries, and most importantly, breaking down the stereotypes and misperceptions about agri-science.
It isn't just during Primary Industries Week that future rural skilling needs our support. DPI&F has an ongoing workforce strategy and program of graduate recruitment, traineeships, industry placement, work experience, short-term project work and volunteer work. Only recently I awarded another two QUT science students with scholarships worth almost $10,000 each to continue their work in plant biotechnology and invasion ecology. This annual science scholarship scheme supports outstanding science students and invests in the future of the students, scientific research and the primary sector. This year, my message to secondary school students is-if you want to make a real difference to what we eat, grow in our backyards and sell worldwide, and to be a leader in world-class science and technology, consider a career in agricultural science. Last changed: [PUBLISHED_DATE] at 10:28 AM
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