THE sugar industry was well represented by 300 stakeholders at a gala dinner at Jupiter's Casino, Townsville, on April 17, when the winners of the 2013 Sugar Research and Development Corporation's (SRDC) Innovation Awards were announced.
The dinner was held in association with the Australian Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ASSCT) conference in Townsville, over April 16-19.
The annual SRDC Innovation Awards recognise research leaders across four award categories.
SRDC executive director Annette Sugden said innovation was vital for the future growth of Australia's sugarcane industry.
"SRDC was impressed by the high-quality nominations received this year, indicating that Australian researchers are leading the way in sugarcane research innovation," Ms Sugden said.
For the third year, ABC TV Landline presenter Pip Courtney presented the awards.
Ms Courtney told delegates that sugar research is always innovative and that after 20 years with Landline, she had seen many issues cane farmers had to face and was amazed at the unique answers researchers found to solve the issues.
"It's wonderful to be able to honour the people who are driving this creative thinking, and reward them for their passion and dedication to the sugarcane industry," Ms Courtney said.
She advised stakeholders in the sugarcane industry to engage the media to get their message across about the importance of research and development within their industry.
The SRDC Research Team Award was won by the joint University of Queensland and BSES Limited SaveNcane project. This project aims to improve nitrogen use efficiency in sugarcane cropping.
The SRDC Research Scientist Award was won by BSES Limited program leader Michael O'Shea from Brisbane for his work in researching chemistry solutions to increase productivity of the Australian sugar industry.
The SRDC Research Technician Award was won by the Queensland University of Technology's Neil McKenzie for his 31 years of support to the industry and involvement in more than 10 SRDC-funded projects.
Two industry leaders won the Industry Service Award.
BSES Limited's Dr Peter Allsopp was recognised for his outstanding leadership and contribution, with more than 25 years of industry service across Australia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Fiji and Guatemala, and for his pivotal role in biosecurity, plant protection and minimising pest incursion impacts.
Queensland University of Technology's Ross Broadfoot received this award for his sustained contribution to the milling industry and dedication to improving sugar quality, recovery and energy efficiency through his research into conversion of juice into sugar and crystallisation.
University of Queensland PhD scholar Richard Brackin was also recognised at the event as the recipient of the 2013 Young Science and Innovation Award for his research in changing how cane growers fertilise their crops.
AWARD WINNERS
Research Team Award winner:
SaveNcane project, Nicole Robinson.
Research Scientist Award winner:
Michael O’Shea.
Research Technician Award winner:
Neil McKenzie.
Service to Industry Award winner:
Ross Broadfoot.
Service to Industry Award winner:
Dr Peter Allsopp.
Young Science and Innovation Award winner:
Richard Brackin.
