2023 The development of native West Australian legume (Fabaceae) species as grain crops – The School of Molecular and Life Sciences

Status: Closed

Applications open: 1/04/2023
Applications close: 30/04/2023

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About this scholarship
Description/Applicant information

The School of Molecular and Life Sciences, at Curtin University, is offering two competitive scholarships for students to study for their PhD in an agriculture-focused subject area within the Discipline of Agriculture & Food. The scholarships aim to support applied, industry-focused, agricultural research and development at Curtin University and to strengthen capacity in key strategic areas of the university and its partners.

Project Description

The southwest of Australia supports valuable agricultural industries, responsible for 40 % of Australian grain production. Via grain exports, the region plays an essential role in global food security. Crop diversity in the southwest is low, with only three crop species occupying 90% of the planted area. Issues such as climate change and land degradation threaten agricultural productivity and sustainability.

An effective way to improve the long-term sustainability of farming is by increasing the diversity of crop species, particularly grain legumes. Among several benefits, legumes contribute agronomically significant amounts of nitrogen, reducing the need for costly and polluting chemical fertilizers, and can provide an abundant and nutrient-rich food source with great potential to contribute to global food security. Several exotic grain legumes are grown by Australian farmers but are often poorly adapted to southwestern growing environments, so there is a need for new better-adapted grain legume options.

Southwestern Australia has approximately five hundred native legumes, and previous research has found that some of these species have the potential to be domesticated as well-adapted grain crops. This project aims to conduct foundational research on these species to facilitate their domestication. The project will involve collaboration and consultation between agricultural scientists, food scientists and ecologists from Curtin University, and other relevant experts at UWA and CSIRO.

The proposed research will involve fieldwork to collect genetically diverse germplasm from throughout the range of the target species within, or proximate to, the southwest Australian agricultural zone and the establishment of an in-field living germplasm collection. The collection will then be used to comprehensively evaluate economically important traits in the species, such as grain yield and nutritional composition. Environmental data from the collection sites will be used for an ecogeographic analysis to understand the ecology and adaption of the species, allow for GIS mapping of potential production regions, and inform future agronomic R&D needs. Finally, a genetic analysis will be used to quantify the level of diversity within the germplasm collection. This will aid in interpreting data from both the ecogeographic study and the phenotypic characterization. The information will also inform future R&D, such as the identification of optimal strategies for the establishment of crop variety trials and food science analyses. 

Student type

• Future Students

Faculty

• Faculty of Science & Engineering
  • Science courses

Course type

• Higher Degree by Research

Citizenship

• Australian Citizen
• Australian Permanent Resident
• New Zealand Citizen
• Permanent Humanitarian Visa
• International Student

Scholarship base

• Merit Based

Value

The successful candidate will receive a stipend of $32,250.00 per annum pro rata (tax free), this amount will be indexed annually. The total value of the annual scholarships (stipend and fees) is approx. $60,000 - $70,000 p.a. Applicants will be supported in applying for supplemental funding.

The duration of the award shall be for three years with a possible extension of up to six months (maximum), assessed on a case-by case basis.

Scholarship Details
Maximum number awarded

1

Eligibility criteria

We are seeking a candidate with undergraduate qualifications in agricultural science, plant breeding, ecology, or an equivalent discipline. The candidate must meet minimum English language requirements and have a C-class Australian license (or equivalent) and be comfortable driving and working in remote locations. 

Experience in both laboratory and field research, as well as data collection and analysis, are highly desirable.

Application process

Please contact us via the EOI form .

The EOI form supports the submission of the CV, academic transcripts, research experience, publication outputs and referees.

Applicants are also strongly encouraged to contact the listed project lead with their current curriculum vitae, a summary of their research skills and experience and the reason they are interested in this specific project.

Enrolment Requirements

Recipients must complete their milestone 1 within 6 month of enrolment and remain enrolled on a full-time basis for the duration of the scholarship.

Enquiries

Dr Nicholas George

Senior Lecturer

[email protected]

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