Research impact

The WRI supported the establishment of the Plant Synthetic Biology Australia (PSBA) network in 2024 through a $20M Commonwealth investment under NCRIS and managed by Bioplatforms Australia. Co-investment was also generously provided by the State Government of South Australia. PBSA provides national infrastructure and expertise to accelerate advances in plant science, agriculture, and sustainable bio-manufacturing. PSBA will have nodes at Adelaide University, Australian National University, La Trobe, and University of Western Australia.

WRI supported the bid for the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Plants for Space (P4S) which commenced in January 2024 and was officially launched in October 2024 at the Centre’s inaugural annual conference. WRI continues to support the P4S Centre and its commitment to advancing research in growing plants in extreme environments, future foods and bioproduction.

WRI supported the OzMedicago Project, a new national research initiative to develop next-generation pasture legumes with the potential to cut agricultural methane emissions and boost farm sustainability. Project partners include the South Australian Research and Development Institute – the research arm of Primary Industries and Regions South Australia (PIRSA-SARDI) and the SARDI-curated Australian Pastures Genebank (APG), the Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN), Bioplatforms Australia (BPA), the Australian Wine Research Institute and Metabolomics Australia.

WRI supported the establishment of the ARC Training Centre for Accelerated Future Crops Development (FCD), a collaboration between the Australian National University and Adelaide University, government agencies and key stakeholders in the Australian grains industry involved in training, R&D, social engagement, responsible innovation, breeding, marketing, and delivery.