At QAAFI, our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion fosters a vibrant environment where innovation thrives, women are empowered, and our community grows stronger together. Explore inspiring stories from our women in science and discover how they are driving real-world change in agriculture.
- University of Queensland studies have used a natural tree sap gum and light to extend the shelf life of fresh fruit and vegetables to combat food waste.
- There’s nothing quite like an Aussie-style Christmas lunch or dinner — fresh seafood, roast meats, vibrant salads and summer-time desserts enjoyed with family and friends. For many, it’s a day to indulge and savour every delicious bite. But the most wonderful time of the year is also an opportunity to reflect on how we can consume more sustainably, particularly when it comes to the all-important Christmas feast.
- What does a sustainable diet taste like, and can it still be delicious?
- A research team led by The University of Queensland is on track to solve a major problem for Australian farmers using targeted breeding to improve yields for sorghum crops.
- A shared vision to boost Australia’s Indigenous-led bushfood industry is the key to the partnership between The University of Queensland and Roogenic, which makes products with Australian plants that have nutritional and health properties.
- A high-tech building with rooms to mimic environments from rainforests to deserts will help Australian plant scientists and industry improve crop productivity and secure future food supplies.
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A breakthrough for Australia’s beef industry
Dr Hannah Siddle and Professor Ala Tabor have developed a vaccine targeting one of Australia’s most costly cattle pests—the cattle tick. After 18 years of research, early trials show the vaccine not only protects cattle from tick feeding but also disrupts the tick’s life cycle, reducing eggs and hatch rates. This innovation promises a safer, chemical-free solution for farmers and could save millions annually while protecting animal health. The team is now moving into larger trials to bring this game-changing vaccine closer to commercial use.
Empowering Indigenous-led bushfood innovation
Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa is transforming Australia’s native plant food sector by working with Indigenous communities to develop nutritious, sustainable, value-added products. Through the ARC Training Centre for Uniquely Australian Foods and a partnership with Roogenic, her research explores the nutritional and health properties of native plants like Kakadu plum, Jilungin, and wattleseed. This collaboration supports Indigenous growers, ensuring safe, high-quality products reach the market while honoring traditional knowledge.
High-tech spray prevents and cures rusty plant threat
PhD candidate Rebecca Degnan and Dr Anne Sawyer have developed an environmentally friendly RNA spray that can both prevent and cure myrtle rust infections in native Australian plants. This breakthrough treatment protects vulnerable species like eucalypts, lilly pilly, and paperbark, even reversing infection up to two weeks after exposure. With field trials on the horizon, this innovation could be a game-changer for preserving Australia’s unique plant biodiversity.
Sub-soil secrets revealed in robot-driven farm research
UQ researchers led by Dr Dongxue Zhao have developed a robotic root-sensing system that can scan entire crop root systems in seconds—without disturbing the soil. The RootBot uses cutting-edge sensors and AI to link root traits with yield and drought resilience, helping breeders and agronomists identify crops that are more productive and climate-ready. This breakthrough is set to revolutionise root phenotyping and unlock new opportunities for global agriculture.
