In a year that Western Australia broke all previous records and harvested 24 million tonnes of grains, it is fitting that The University of Western Australia’s Institute of Agriculture also enjoyed an exceptional 12 months of growth and yield.

Researchers affiliated with The UWA Institute of Agriculture published more than 420 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters in 2021.

This achievement is celebrated in the Institute’s Annual Research Report 2021, which was released today.

The 15th annual report provides an overview of UWA’s agricultural research, development and training in regional, national and international contexts.

Image: Key individuals from UWA, The UWA Institute of Agriculture and the agriculture industry during a workshop in 2020.

The Institute’s Director Hackett Professor Kadambot Siddique said collaborative and multidisciplinary research activities in 2021 were undertaken across the Institute’s six research themes.

“In this publication, you will find research that aims to overcome the damaging consequences of climate change on crops, how to support smallholder farmers around the world, improving food nutrition and yield, using new technologies to detect and mitigate weeds, and much more,” Professor Siddique said.

“It is especially rewarding to see dozens of projects that utilise UWA Shenton Park Research Facility.

“UWA researchers are using black soldier fly larvae in aquaculture diets, breeding for improved heat stress in canola and exploring new ideas at the Centre for Engineering Innovation: Agriculture & Ecological Restoration.”

Acting UWA Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Anna Nowak said the Annual Research Report 2021 formed an impressive record of the Institute’s activities and achievements through national and international collaborations.

“The UWA Institute of Agriculture brings researchers and leaders from a diverse set of disciplines together to focus on several big picture priorities such as sustainability, food security, social impact, big data and climate change,” Professor Nowak said.

"The Institute also fosters industry partnerships and bolsters the value of our research to the community. Its close relationships between grower groups, the agriculture industry, government bodies, fellow UWA institutes and schools is critical in ensuring that the most impactful research is done."

Acting UWA DVCR Professor Anna Nowak

The Institute hosted and co-organised numerous events throughout 2021, including guest lectures and seminars, the Pingelly Astrofest, Postgraduate Showcase and Industry Forum – which explored the topic ‘Future-proofing WA agriculture: Maximising opportunities for a resilient food production system’.

“A personal highlight was attending the UWA Farm Ridgefield Open Day,” Professor Siddique said.

“This event celebrated the many research projects at the farm, as well as the long-standing and productive working relationship between UWA and the Pingelly community.”

Agriculture Science at UWA was recently ranked number one in Australia and 15th in the world in the 2022 Academic Ranking of World Universities.

The Institute played a significant role in achieving this global reputation.

For more information, view and download 2021 Annual Research Report.