The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) was recently awarded a grant from the Federal Government under the Citizen Science Grants Round 2 Program. The grant will engage school students to act as citizen scientists, isolating yeasts found in the Australian environment and contributing to a significant collection of yeast strains.
With yeast and other fungi playing a key role in industries such as baking, brewing, pharmaceuticals and biofuels, this project has potential to contribute to future agricultural and food production and the transition to a bio-based economy.
Students will also be introduced to real-world scientific research methods and gain an understanding of microbiological and molecular techniques.
AWRI scientists are pleased to be involved in this project, both from the perspective of what it will reveal about distribution of yeasts across Australia and the opportunity to inspire future scientists.
For more information about this project, contact Dr Anthony Borneman on 08 8313 6600 or anthony.borneman@awri.com.au.
