AGSA Invites Scholars to Share Insights at Grain Science Conference

Grains and crop scientists along with industry professionals are being called on to submit abstracts and share their latest research at the Australasian Grain Science Association (AGSA) Conference from 26 to 29 September 2023.

This year's AGSA conference is set to be different from the 72 previous events as it will be held in northern Australia for the first time.

The diversity of agriculture in Central Queensland has prompted CQUniversity to host the conference in Rockhampton, known as the Beef Capital due to its prominent role in the beef industry.

AGSA President Dr Sushil Dhital said the theme of the conference recognised both the diversity of northern Australia and the diversified role of grain crops in agriculture - 'Grain crops and sustainable food systems'.

“The call for abstracts has opened and we're looking for the latest and greatest grain science research from across Australia to complement the line-up of international keynote speakers already secured for the event,” Dr Dhital said.

The list of national and international confirmed keynote speakers for the conference includes Professor Yong-Cheng Shi from Kansas State University in the USA; Professor Stefan Kasapis from RMIT University in Australia; Professor Flavio Augusto Santos from the University of São Paulo, Brazil;  Dr Laura Dixon from the University of Leeds in the UK; Professor Graeme Batten from the University of Sydney in Australia;  Dr Regine Stockmann from CSIRO Agriculture and Food; and Emeritus Professor Mike Gidley from The University of Queensland in Australia.

“We’re calling for abstracts for both oral presentations and research posters that address one of eight sub-themes: Starch, dietary fibre – structure, metabolic health; Grains, bioactive and human nutrition; Grains and plant-based protein; Climate and grain production; Sensors and novel technologies; Grain waste valorisation; Grain and graze; and, New and emerging grain crops.”

Among the international keynote speakers, a highlight, is Dr Laura Dixon, from the University of Leeds, UK, whose research team is investigating how cereals respond to temperature signals and adapt their developmental response accordingly.

“Dr Dixon is a world leader in this field with her group's work combining discovery science at the molecular and genetic level, with the translation of this into realistic in-field environments,” Dr Dhital said. “The importance of this work will be in improving the robustness of our staple crops like wheat for more stable yields in the face of variable climatic conditions.”

AGSA began as a cereal chemists’ learned society in 1951 and met under the umbrella of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) until 2009. It aims to provide a forum for students, scientists and professionals to network and exchange information about sustainable agronomy, grain processing, value adding and nutritional functionality.

Conference Chair and CQUniversity Senior Lecturer in Science, Dr Mani Naiker, said more than 125 delegates were expected to attend the event, from postgraduate student researchers to internationally recognised scientists, as well as leaders of the local grains and cropping industries.

“Registrations to attend the conference will be opening later in April and I suggest people interested in attending should register early to secure their seat at what promises to be a stimulating event,” Dr Naiker said.

The 73rd Australasian Grain Science Conference will be held in Rockhampton, Queensland from 26 to 29 September 2023.