Lincoln University appoints Professor in Plant Biosecurity
The increasing world-wide emphasis on biosecurity to protect environmental, social and economic futures means a growing demand for qualifications in this area at both the undergraduate and post-graduate level. Furthermore, Biosecurity New Zealand (BNZ) in its draft Biosecurity Science, Research and Technology Strategy for New Zealand (BNZ Discussion Paper No. 2006/04) identifies the need for highly trained professionals and scientists to underpin the science capacity required to protect New Zealand's natural resources from damaging pests and diseases.
In response to these signals, Lincoln University appointed a Professor in Plant Biosecurity in 2006, with funding assistance from MAF. Professor Philip Hulme's primary focus will be to lead the development of targeted courses that can underpin biosecurity science that take advantage of Lincoln University's strong research and teaching capability in plant pathology, entomology, microbiology, plant protection, pest management, wildlife management, weed ecology and general ecology.
In 2008, Lincoln University proposes to offer a biosecurity major in its current Bachelor of Science programme. This programme also capitalises on the establishment of the National Centre for Advanced Bio-Protection Technologies on campus. This centre of research excellence is a New Zealand leader in bio-protection research, particularly in plant protection. The Bio-Protection Centre currently has 19 principal investigating scientists, 40 associate investigators, 14 post-doctoral fellows and 48 post-graduate students pursuing exciting opportunities in the study of pests and diseases in bio-protection and plant biosecurity.
Lincoln University can also draw on the significant breadth of the biosecurity research community through its close proximity and research collaborations with major Crown research institutes, particularly through its role as a partner in Better Border Biosecurity (B3), an outcome-based investment research programme. B3 is a $6 million dollar per year, 12-year, Foundation for Research, Science and Technology-funded research programme that aims to develop and implement new and effective biosecurity measures to protect New Zealand's plant-based resources.
Biosecurity Masters programme planned
To enhance the capability of the biosecurity system, representatives from Lincoln University's Bio-Protection and Ecology Division, the Bio-Protection Centre and the School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, have developed a draft Masters degree programme in Biosecurity. This Masters degree will be taught conjointly by the two universities. Lincoln University provides national leadership in research on plant pests, diseases and pest management, the basis to plant protection and plant biosecurity, and Canterbury University will contribute based on its strengths in marine, freshwater and forest biosecurity.
The proposed Master of Biosecurity is an advanced degree that prepares graduates for a biosecurity-related career in both a national and global context. It is recognised that biosecurity utilises graduates from a wide variety of disciplines. To encourage graduate diversity, the programme will comprise core subjects that include policy, law, science, risk assessment, and quarantine to bring all students to an appropriate level of knowledge in these areas. Based on their particular interests, each student then chooses additional subjects from a range of scientific disciplines.
The proposed Masters degree is designed to prepare graduates for a career in biosecurity-related research or roles in biosecurity agencies. Examples of relevant careers are:
- scientific research in a university or research institute
- developing policy advice on biosecurity issues for central or regional government
- biosecurity operations, e.g., as a MAF quarantine officer or MAF diagnostic scientist
- biosecurity service provision employed by state-owned enterprises such as AgriQuality or primary industry sector groups.
These proposals/degrees are intended to fit well with BNZ's strategic goals and will be refined by consultation with BNZ as well as other likely employers such as the Department of Conservation and regional councils.
- Dr Sue Worner,
worner@lincoln.ac.nz
For information about the National Centre for Advanced Bio-Protection Technologies:
For information about Better Border Biosecurity:
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Page last updated: 30 April 2008