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.
- Researchers from The University of Queensland have developed a treatment that can both prevent and cure infection caused by an invasive fungal disease devastating native Australian plants.
- A bushfood staple could be the centre of a new Indigenous industry, according to a University of Queensland researcher.
- In only a few years, myrtle rust has changed ecosystems by destroying trees and their canopies, wiped out whole species in certain areas, and taken an economic toll on industries that grow trees such as lemon-scented myrtle and tea tree. We have used RNA technology similar to that in COVID vaccines to create a highly targeted treatment for myrtle rust: a spray that can restore even severely infected trees to health in around six weeks.
- Simple on-animal sensors could be a game changer for Australian beef cattle nutrition, according to University of Queensland research.
- A process similar to that used to store human embryos is being used by scientists at The University of Queensland to save native Australian plants under threat from the invasive fungus, myrtle rust.
- Australia is leading the world with the creation of a native food value chain ensuring Indigenous communities and businesses both protect and benefit from the thriving bushfood industry.
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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.
