Deakin University’s Centre for Regional and Rural Futures (CeRRF) has found a home at Griffith’s old CSIRO laboratory.
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Deakin vice-chancellor Professor Jane den Hollander said the new branch of the university’s CeRRF branch would allow for continuation of the world-class research the region was known for.
Professor den Hollander said CeRRF’s Griffith branch would be guided by two of Australia’s top irrigation and sustainable land use researchers.
Associate professor Dr John Hornbuckle and Dr Wendy Quayle joined Deakin from CSIRO following the closure of the Griffith laboratory.
“Both researchers have been at the heart of transformations across the agricultural sector during the past 15 years, based right here in Griffith, so it’s exciting to be able to confirm that will continue thanks to Deakin’s investment,” Professor den Hollander said.
“CSIRO had big laboratories in Griffith and as part of CSIRO leaving we took on a number of scientists who didn't want to leave the region.
“This is a big day. The laboratory stays open, Geelong has moved some of it's scientists and we already have one PhD student there.”
Dr Hornbuckle and Dr Quayle had been part of the Deakin team working at the old CSIRO building since March.
Dr Hornbuckle is currently developing and investigating irrigation design and water management tools and technologies for improving water use efficiency, maximizing production and minimizing the environmental footprint of irrigation across a range of scales.
“There was five researcher positions that have come across to Deakin,” Dr Hornbuckle said.
“Two of those we are currently filling, so we will have some new recruits in late September or early October.”
“It’s great for us, it’s an excellent laboratory and an excellent setting with some of the best irrigation farmers.”
CeRRF employs 15 full-time researchers at Deakin’s Geelong and Melbourne campuses, with many other collaborators from across the university.
The new Griffith branch of the centre will employ five additional researchers.