International Programs
Brazil-Australia Workshop on Biotechnology Innovations for Agriculture
Brasilia, 5-7 May 2008
sugar cane and soya plantation, Brasilia'.
The Australia–Brazil workshop on biotechnology innovations for agriculture was held at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA) in Brasilia, Brazil, from 5 to 7 May 2008. The workshop was organised by the Academy (on behalf of DIISR) and EMBRAPA with assistance from the Australian Embassy in Brazil. The aim of the workshop was to identify strategic and collaborative opportunities, especially on gene discovery, genomic, proteomic and metabolomic analysis, bioinformatics, protein structure/function and nanobiotechnology, in order to establish joint R&D and training programs, the facilitation of bilateral exchange of germplasm and products and the development of new bioproducts, novel crop varieties and biofuels.
The Australian convenor of the workshop was Dr Liz Dennis FAA from CSIRO Plant Industry and the Brazilian convenor was Dr Mauro Carneiro of EMBRAPA Genetic and Biotechnology Resources. A total of 20 Australian and Brazilian researchers presented at the workshop, and an additional 50 Brazilian scientists also attended the meeting. Dr Silvio Crestana, President of EMBRAPA, the Australian Ambassador to Brazil His Excellency Mr Neil Mules, Minister Hadil da Rocha Vianna, Director of the Department for Scientific and Technological Affairs of the Ministry of External Relations of Brazil, and Dr JoseOswaldo Siqueira, Director of the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, spoke at the plenary session. Site visits were also organised to EMBRAPA institutes as well as the University of Sao Paulo agricultural campus in Piracicaba.
This workshop provided a strong basis for good technical cooperation projects with EMBRAPA researchers and provided an opportunity to establish excellent links with other Australians from the delegation. The Academy would like to acknowledge the support of the Brazilian Embassy.
