The University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) is set to co-host the Association of Australian Cotton Scientists’ (AACS) 2023 Australian Cotton Research Conference from 5-7 September.
UniSQ’s Centre for Agricultural Engineering researchers Dr Alison McCarthy and Associate Professor Joseph Foley will co-chair the national conference.
Associate Professor Foley stated that the Australian Cotton Research Conference provides an excellent opportunity to highlight the research being conducted at UniSQ.
“The theme for this year’s research conference is ‘Continuing to Lead’, and that’s something we really understand here at the University of Southern Queensland,” Associate Professor Foley said.
He noted that the University and the Centre for Agricultural Engineering are pioneers in agricultural technology and engineering, with many researchers working in agtech long before the term gained popularity.
Dr McCarthy, who will also give a plenary presentation on artificial intelligence and its possible uses in the cotton sector, lauded the cotton industry for its openness to new ideas.
“I started my research career in the cotton industry and for me, the industry has always been very welcoming of new people, new ideas and new technology, and they are early adopters of new technologies, she said.
According to AACS President Dr Paul Grundy, the 2023 Research Conference would bring together around 170 researchers, agronomists, and extension professionals working on all aspects of cotton production, processing, and the associated natural environment.
Additionally, Dr Grundy noted it would be the second time AACS and UniSQ co-hosted the conference.
“This collaboration reflects the strength and impact of agricultural science and engineering research undertaken by the University of Southern Queensland right across the cotton industry,” he stated.
He added, ”It is also the result of strong collaborative relationships between the University’s researchers and the broader Australian cotton industry science community.”
Cotton Seed Distributors and the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) are the two critical 2023 Australian Cotton Research Conference partners.
“The conference is equally as much about the latest research outcomes as it is about celebrating the outstanding scientific collaboration in the Australian cotton industry,” CDRC Acting General Manager (Innovation) Dr Merefith Conaty commented.
“CDRC is committed to delivering outcomes in cotton research, development and extension for industry and that can only be done with strong support and engagement of quality research institutions, including those like UniSQ,” she continued.
Cotton Seed Distributors (CSD) Commercial Research Manager Dr Michael Bange said the conference provides an excellent chance for the CSD team to connect with Australian cotton researchers and learn about research that can help Australian cotton growers.
Other conference partners include the UniSQ, CSIRO, and Bayer.
