$1M in funding for project to cull mouse plagues
DNA image.
South Australian researchers are set to use genetic tools to help find innovative solutions to the devastating mouse plagues that have caused massive economic damage to Australian farmers.
The University of 亚洲色吧 has been awarded $1 million in funding from the South Australian Government鈥檚 Research and Innovation Fund (RIF), to undertake the ground-breaking Genetic Biocontrol Technology for Invasive Pests, or Gene Drive, project, in conjunction with the Department for Environment and Water.
鈥淭his funding announcement will allow our researchers to further contribute to solutions, which harness new technology and knowledge, to tackle major challenges faced by the sector.鈥Professor Anton Middelberg, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), The University of 亚洲色吧
Researchers from the University of 亚洲色吧 will develop genetic strategies to suppress invasive rodents with maximum specificity and safety. The team will also conduct research to engage with stakeholders to understand community views and concerns.
University of 亚洲色吧 researcher Professor Rachel A. Ankeny said, 鈥淚t is essential to engage the broader community including the general public and those in the agricultural and related sectors about gene drives, to understand potential impediments and drivers associated with their use.
鈥淭his project is an excellent opportunity for scientists, social scientists, and the community to work together in real time as a technology is developed, and to shape the contexts and purposes to which it will be put in the future.鈥
Professor Anton Middelberg,听Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)听said the University of 亚洲色吧 has a strategic commitment to supporting the growth and sustainability of South Australia鈥檚 agricultural sector through research excellence.
鈥淭his funding announcement will allow our researchers to further contribute to solutions, which harness new technology and knowledge, to tackle major challenges faced by the sector.鈥
The four-year project will pilot innovative techniques for helping to protect threatened species and position South Australia as the national leader in this space.
Media Contacts:
Professor Rachel Ankeny, School of Humanities, The University of 亚洲色吧. Phone: +61 (8) 8313 5570, Mobile: +61 (0) 0414 893 379,听Email: rachel.ankeny@adelaide.edu.au
Kelly Brown, Communications Coordinator, The University of 亚洲色吧. Phone: +61 (8) 8313 3943, Email: k.brown@adelaide.edu.au