In a world where agriculture needs to evolve to meet the challenges of tomorrow, The UWA Institute of Agriculture’s Annual Research Report 2023 offers a glimpse into the groundbreaking innovations and initiatives driving this transformation.

Research focused on agriculture and related areas at The University of Western Australia made significant strides in 2023, culminating in the publication of more than 297 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters.

These achievements and more are celebrated and explored in-depth in the Institute’s Annual Research Report 2023, which was released today.

The 17th annual report provides an overview of UWA’s agricultural research, development and training in regional, national and international contexts.

Image: The front cover and select pages from the IOA Annual Research Report 2023.

The Institute’s Director Hackett Professor Kadambot Siddique said collaborative and multidisciplinary research activities in 2023 were undertaken across the Institute’s six research themes, which serve as dedicated chapters in the report.

“The Annual Research Report 2023 highlights the remarkable achievements of our affiliated researchers and their collaborators,” Professor Siddique said.

“In addition to the numerous new PhD candidates who began their journeys last year, we also proudly recognise our many academics featured on the annual Highly Cited Researchers list, and those honoured with significant awards and accolades.

“Their commitment and hard work undoubtedly played a crucial role in helping UWA maintain its position as the top-ranked institution nationally and 22nd globally for Agricultural Sciences in the 2023 Academic Ranking of World Universities.”

In 2023, the Institute enhanced its engagement with industry, farmer groups, collaborators, funding bodies and alumni through various communications and events.

Professor Siddique said it was an exceptionally busy year, with the Institute hosting and contributing to 19 public lectures, forums, seminars and open days.

“A standout occasion was the UWA Farm Ridgefield 2023 Open Day, during which we welcomed more than 150 members of the agricultural, research and local communities to the West Pingelly farm to engage with six research demonstration sites,” he said.

“At our annual Industry Forum in July 2023, it was clear that our topic exploring ‘Paving the way for the future of WA agriculture’ struck a special chord with many in the audience.”

Hackett Professor Kadambot Siddique

 

UWA’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Anna Nowak said the Institute was a strong contributor to UWA’s mission as a comprehensive, research-intensive university.

“It brings researchers and leaders from across numerous schools at the university to focus on critical priorities such as environmental and agricultural sustainability, food security, social impact, big data, understanding and overcoming the effects of climate change and more,” Professor Nowak said.

“Passionate and hardworking early-career researchers, in particular PhD candidates, are strongly represented in the successes and achievements within this annual report.

“Among many memorable highlights was when the Professor Siddique was honoured as the 2023 Scientist of the Year at the Western Australian Premier’s Science Awards.”

For more information, view and download the Annual Research Report 2023.