Recently appointed research officers, Sebastian Ie and Jessica Lemon, are the successful recipients of two Williamson Foundation scholarships valued at $30,000 each.
These scholarships fund research staff to design and deliver research projects in their first year of employment at BCG.
The new initiative, which is supported by the Hugh D.T. Williamson Foundation, provides graduate researchers with an opportunity to pursue research gaps or an area of interest, benefiting both growers and their own development within the agricultural research sector.
Sebastian’s project will see the establishment of a paddock-scale field trial investigating precision agriculture and variable rate N application. As part of the project, UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) technology will be used to collect data, and the value of this technology will be assessed.
This project is part of a broader BCG initiative involving the establishment of ‘PA (precision agriculture) paddocks’ and an examination new technology and data management.
Jessica’s research project will seek to determine how stubble grazing influences the growth of barley sown on three different row spacings.
The research projects proposed by Sebastian and Jessica were sparked by ideas from BCG members and connect well with the newly adopted BCG strategic plan. From there, the applicants presented a proposal outlining the trial design, critical analysis and expected benefits for farmers.
BCG CEO Chris Sounness said the quality of the projects that were pitched to the Williamson Foundation Scholarship panel was “outstanding”.
“The panel found it very difficult to select the winners,” he said.
“BCG is pleased to partner with the Hugh DT Williamson Foundation, giving new staff this exciting opportunity – an opportunity normally reserved for senior researchers.”
Mr Sounness said BCG had a long tradition of employing young staff and fostering and supporting their enthusiasm.
“These scholarships take this one step further,” he said.
The work being undertaken and the eventual findings, will be extended and promoted though BCG’s various events and communication platforms throughout the year.
