- CRCs showcase their research

The media are invited to listen to four Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs) showcase their research at their annual conference being held at Sydney's convention and exhibition centre at 11am today (May 22).

Dr Bryan Whan, CEO of CRC for Molecular Plant Breeding in Adelaide talking about: "Putting plant breeding in fast forward"
This presentation will demonstrate the impact that molecular approaches have on Australia's cereal crop breeding program. For example, the CRC's molecular technology has been used to develop an improved variety of barley in half the time it would have taken using conventional breeding techniques. Ph: 0417 898 261

Dr David Brockway, CEO of the CRC for Clean Power from Lignite in Melbourne "From concept to product: the commercialisation of an Australian Technology"
The recently established Australian company, Laser Analysis Technologies Pty Ltd, has released a new technology into the global market place that is a product of the research, development and commercialisation processes undertaken by the CRC. The Laser Plasma Spectrometer provides rapid and simultaneous analysis of the elements in most solid materials including minerals, coal, cement, metals, glass, pharmaceuticals and environmental samples such as soils. Ph. 0418 543 985

Dr Gary Fitt, CEO of Australian Cotton CRC in Narrabri talking about: "Area-wide management of cotton pests: a triumph of science and cooperation"
Area-wide management involving coordinated groups of farmers using the best research outcomes, the latest technologies and hands-on extension services has revolutionised pest management for the cotton industry. The CRC has been able to bring all the players together to achieve more sustainable and economic production over large areas. Ph. 0429 457 615

Dr Ian Maxwell, CEO of RPO Pty Ltd in Sydney talking about: "Technology transfer at the speed of light"
A team of young Australian Photonics CRC researchers has developed a totally novel concept for polymer optical fibres that have microscopic air holes running along their entire length. This new technology means significantly lower costs in transmission of telecommunication services. Close linkages with RPO, has meant fast tracking of this technology to commercialisation. Ph. 02 9209 4927

All speakers will be available for interview by the media from 12 midday today. The submissions from each presenter giving full details of their research are available from Jenni Metcalfe.