The School of AFW’s annual Research Day was held on Friday 30 November at Hahndorf, and again proved to be an inspiring moment to pause to reflect on and celebrate the year’s research successes and outputs, as well as showcase the impact, diversity and relevance of our work.
Several industry partners and collaborators from across the University were in attendance, with interdisciplinary projects featuring heavily in the program.
This year’s program also featured a session on science communication and engagement, with Belinda Cay presenting an overview of the Food & Fibre outreach program as well as the great work AgCommunicators has done in raising awareness among teachers and school students about agricultural science and ag careers.
We were also delighted to have the new SA Chief Scientist, Professor Caroline McMillen, attend to speak to us about her vision for the future of scientific research and SA’s place in it.
AFW Research Day is an important fixture in the School’s calendar – it reminds us why we do what we do. It’s important to be proud not just of the impressive metrics we continue to stack up, but the hard work that goes on across the School to achieve those and the positive difference we are making in the world.
Our research video competition ran for the second year. First prize was awarded to Bart Van Gansbeke and Kara Levin from the Molecular Marker lab for their video Fantastic nematodes and how to beat them. ARC Training Centre for Innovative Wine Production Masters student Lira Souza Gonzaga was runner-up with her video Betsy: A star is born. Watch these videos below now!
Our congratulations and thanks go to all presenters and award winners.