THE Grains Innovation Park is home to almost 100 scientists and researchers from all around the globe.
Agriculture Victoria research scientist and vector entomologist Dr Piotr Trebicki is originally from Poland. He initially made the move to Horsham in 2009.
“I work with insect vectors which transmit diseases to food crops in the Wimmera. Basically we’re trying to see how we can help growers protect their crops and investigate different control options,” he said.
Dr Trebicki is investigating virus species that are being transmitted by aphids to crops.
“We are working with people from interstate, as well as people in Europe and the US. It’s not just looking at diseases that affect our region, but it’s quite prolific research that is spread worldwide,” he said.
He said it was great to be a part of an international group of scientists and researchers.
“The fact that we’re in a regional location, in the middle of where the action is happening, draws people here,” he said.
Research scientist Dr Kath Whitehouse moved to Horsham earlier this year to start work at the Australian Grains Genebank.
Originally from Birmingham, England, she had spent the past five years in the Philippines as part of her PhD studies.
Research scientist Dr Kath Whitehouse with some of the seeds from the Australian Grains Genebank. Picture: SAMANTHA CAMARRI
“I specialise in the conservation of genetic resources in the form of germplasm and my background is seed physiology,” she said.
“My job is to try and optimise the conditions that we mange seed in the Genebank.
“This is to ensure we are making seeds available for breeders and other research programs so they are not only viable but they have the highest possible quality.
“Living in Horsham is fantastic; it feels very comfortable – it’s not so different from the UK, except for the weather of course.”
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