Research Opportunities
- Agribusiness
- Animal Science and Production
- Crop Science and Production
- Dairy and Food Technology
- Forestry
- Horticulture
- Innovation and Change Management in Rural Communities
- Resource Management and Cultural Heritage
Agribusiness Analysis
- Agribusiness Analysis: Analysis of agricultural economic
policy, agricultural business management, natural resource
economic analysis and policy - Associate Professor Bill Malcolm,
BAgEcon, MAgrSc, DAgrSc - Commodity Markets Analysis: Evaluations of the markets for agricultural products, policy implications, international trade and management issues - Dr Brian Davidson, BEc(Hons), PhD
- Rural Communities: An assessment of the well-being of people who reside in rural communities; poverty; income distribution; access to services - Dr Brian Davidson, BEc(Hons), PhD
Animal Science and Production
- Animal Nutrition and Metabolism: Physiology of animal growth; nutritional physiology; meat production in extensive and intensive systems; nutrition and meat quality interactions - Dr Brian Leury, BAgricSc(Hons), PhD
- Forage Production and Utilisation: Pasture plant ecophysiology; pasture production, ecology and utilisation; management of grazing systems; dairy forage systems - Professor David Chapman, BAgrSc, PhD
- Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction: Genetic improvement of livestock through application of quantitative and molecular genetics and reproductive technology; mapping and identification of genes controlling quantitative traits - Professor Mike Goddard, BVS(Hons), PhD
- Animal Welfare and Behaviour: Human-animal interactions in companion animals and domestic livestock; behavioural norms of animals; understanding and meeting animal welfare requirements for companion and production animals - Professor Paul Hemsworth, BAgSc, PhD
- Equine Management: Practices and procedures used in studs and stables. Horse physiology, reproduction, nutrition, health, exercise physiology and systems - Dr Peter Cakebread, BVSc
Crop Science and Production
- Agronomy, Plant Protection, and Plant Physiology: Crop management; plant stress physiology; plant production; weed and pest management; disease management and control; soil and fertiliser management; crop water use efficiency; crop nutrient use efficiency; crop production systems - Dr Marc Nicolas, Ingenieur Agronome, PhD, Dr Rob Norton, BAgrSc, PhD, Dr Ken Young, BAppSc, MAgrSc, PhD
- Genetics, Breeding and Applied Biotechnology: Trait mapping and marker assisted selection for solution of environmental and productivity problems in crop production; genetic basis of plant resistance and tolerance traits in crop species - Dr Paul Taylor, BSc(Hons), MScAgr, PhD
- Plant Molecular Biology and Functional Genomics:
Identification of novel genes and promotors in crop, pasture and
horticultural plant species; gene transfer technology; DNA
fingerprinting technology - Assoc Professor Mohan Singh,
BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD - Viticulture and Production Horticulture: Physiology of grape vine growth and fruit quality and yield; irrigation and soil management for grapes and horticultural crops; management of disease in vineyards; impacts of climate change on the Australian viticulture industry - Professor Snow Barlow, BRurSc, MRurSc, PhD
- Weed Ecology – Spatial distribution of weeds, species, autoecology, and competition between weeds and crops - Professor Roger Cousens, BSc, PhD
Dairy and Food Technology
- Frozen Dairy Products: Stabilisers and emulsifiers; production for Asian market; modified products - Mr Sam Cutri BSc (Hons), MSc (Mic), GradDip (Ed)
- Lactic Acid Bacteria: Currently focussing on the molecular genetic characterisation of bactericins with novel bacterial targets: and stress responses, survival and biochemistry of lactic acid bacteria - Professor Margaret Britz, BSc(Hons), PhD
- Milk Powders: Atomisation technology relationships; factors effecting storage stability - Mr Michael Robinson, BSc, MSc (AppSc), GradDip(Ed)
- Microbiology, Biochemistry and Genetics of Organisms used in Starter Cultures for Fermented Foods (including probiotic microorganisms): Studies of preferential fermentation of fructooligosaccharides by selected bifidobacteria, taxonomic study of the 6 species forming the Lactobacillus acidophilus group, gas chromatography headspace analysis of volatile carbonyl compounds produced by yoghurt cultures - Dr Hubert Roginski, BSc, MAppSc, PhD
- Role of Cultured and Culture-Containing Products in Health: Effect of oligosaccharides and lectins on adhesion of bifidobacteria to human cell lines; development of a probiotic drink containing oligosaccharides and protein fractions, and evaluation of the drink - Dr Hubert Roginski, BSc, MAppSc, PhD
- Minimally Processed Foods: Biofilm formation; biochemical, physical and microbiological changes during processing, alternative packaging techniques - Dr Said Ajlouni, BSc,MSc, PhD
- Bioluminescent Bacteria: Development of light-producing bacteria as bioindicators for detecting toxic compounds eg. heavy metal ions, antiobiotics, herbicides and pesticides in the environment, foods, agricultural products and water - Professor Margaret Britz, BSc (Hons), PhD
- Biotechnology of Corynebacterium glutamicum, the Amino Acid Producing Bacterium: Application of molecular genetics in studies of lipid production and regulation of biosynthesis in the amino-acid producing bacteria - Professor Margaret Britz, BSc (Hons), PhD
- Food and Agricultural Waste Use: Production of fermentation products from starch and cellulose for use in the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries Contact: Professor Margaret Britz, BSc (Hons), PhD
- Food Microbiology and Quality Assurance: Use of the HACCP in food safety; rapid microbial methods; food spoilage by psychrotrophs; E.coli 0157 - Mr Sam Cutri, BSc (Hons), MSc (Mic), GradDip (Ed)
- Membrane Technology: Factors that influence the lifespan; fouling characteristics; efficiency of cleaning cycles - Dr Mani Iyer, BSc MSc (Dairy Tech), PhD
- Microbiology and Biochemistry of Food Preservation: Effect of modified atmosphere on growth and survival of spoilage microorganisms on fresh vegetables; characterisation of antimicrobial peptides derived from milk proteins; lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase as natural preservatives of fresh foods; effect of raw milk handling on lipolysis in milk and dairy products - Dr Hubert Roginski, BSc, MAppSc, PhD, Dr Said Ajlouni, BSc,MSc, PhD.
- Metabolism and Genetics of Lactic Acid Bacteria: Application of molecular genetics to studies on the production of lactic acid, flavour compounds in cheese and various compound for incorporation into food products - Professor Alan Hillier, BSc(Hons), PhD
- Application of novel extraction techniques: Development and application of novel extraction techniques to the isolation, inactivation or detection of compounds such as bacteria, food borne viruses, enqymes and other valuable components in food systems - Professor Alan Hillier, BSc(Hons), Ph.D
- Genomic analyses of industrially significant micro-organisms: Application of DNA array technologies to food and other industrially important micro-organisms - Professor Alan Hillier, BSc(Hons), Ph.D
Forestry
- Silviculture and Regeneration and Stand Management of Native Forest and Plantations - Mr Ron Hateley, Dip Ed, BScF(Hons).
- Agroforestry: Competition between trees and pasture, tree improvement of speciality timber species - Mr Rowan Reid BForSc(Hons), MForSc.
- Arboriculture: Species selection and management for urban space - Mr Mark Stewart, BForSc(Hons), MForSc.
- Forest Ecology and Biodiversity: Ecology and conservation of forests, dendrology, and assessment and management of biodiversity values - Dr Chris Weston, BSc (Hons), PhD, Dr Steve Read, BA (Hons), MPhil, MA, PhD
- Tree Physiology: Growth and developmental physiology of eucalypts and other species; role of storage carbohydrates in plant rejeneration, wood formation and cell wall biosynthesis; tree responses to salinity - Dr Steve Read, BA(Hons), MPhil, MA, PhD
- Silviculture: Root growth of eucalypts, fertiliser requirements of plantation grown eucalypts, comparison of performance of seedlings - Dr Chris Weston, BSc, PhD
- Forest Biometrics and Mensuration: Growth modelling - Mr Ian Wild, BScFor
- Inventory: Integrating forest inventory with GIS; implementing new technologies for forest inventory - Mr Ian Wild, BForSc
- Fire: Fire ecology and management; evaluation of fuel-reduction burning in dry sclerophyll forests - Dr Kevin Tolhurst, BForSc(Hons), PhD
- Forest Harvesting and Hydrology Harvesting: Cumulative effects of forest harvesting in large and small forested catchments; harvesting using conventional and cable systems - Dr Leon Bren, Assoc Dip For, BScFor (Hons), PhD
- Forest Hydrology: effects of plantation clearing on hydrology; chaotic flow paths in forests; physical structure of small mountain streams; water use by pine plantations; evapotranspiration and diurnal variations in mountain streams - Dr Leon Bren, Assoc Dip For, BScFor (Hons), PhD
- Forest Industries - Professor Peter Vinden, BSc(Hons), MSc, DIC, PhD
- Wood Products: Chemical modification of wood panel products; analysis of the drying process in reconstituted wood products; evaluation of wood traits; shrinkage characteristics. Contact: Professor Peter Vinden, BSc(Hons), MSc, DIC, PhD
- Pulpwood: Fibre length distribution in pulps; pulpwood quality of plantation eucalypts; variation in fibre properties - Professor Peter Vinden, BSc(Hons), MSc, DIC, PhD
- Wood Quality: Analysis of wood quality of plantation eucalypts; studies of timber durability; shrinkage characteristics - Professor Peter Vinden, BSc(Hons), MSc, DIC, PhD
- Oils: Eucalyptus oil extraction and characterisation; heartwood and oil formation - Professor Peter Vinden, BSc(Hons), MSc, DIC, PhD
- Genetics: Quantitative genetics and wood science of radiata pine families; breeding plantation eucalypts for resistance to leaf diseases; genetics of susceptibility - Dr Peter Ades, BForSc, PhD
Horticulture
- Human dimensions of horticultural management: human experience and perception of vegetation in urban and rural environments; implications for landscape design and management - Dr Kathryn Williams, BA (Hons), PhD
- Turf and Amenity Grasslands: Evaluation of native grasses, including Microlaena stipoides, as alternatives to existing amenity grasses; Investigation into the benefits of endophytes in Creeping Bentgrass and Common Bentgrass - Dr David Aldous, BAgrSc, PhD, GDipEdAdmin
- Fruit Set in Hazelnuts: Investigation into factors influencing fruit set in hazelnuts; Development of electrophoresis technique to identify particular varieties - Mr James Will, BA, BSc, MSc
- Urban Tree Establishment: Selection of Lophostemon confertus suited to urban sites, factors affecting establishment of urban trees, suitability of rainforest trees to urban areas, role of urban soils - Dr Peter May, BAgrSc, PhD, GDipEd
- Water Efficiency: Investigation into techniques to improve urban water use efficiency, control of sports turf irrigation systems, soil moisture sensors, water auditing of urban sites - Mr Geoff Connellan, BEng(Agr), MEngSc
- Heritage Landscapes: Investigation and interpretation of historic landscapes in Australia and Europe - Dr Ruth Beilin, BA, DipAg (Hort), MSc, PhD
- Measurement of Tree Cable Loads: Investigation of the dynamic behaviour of trees and limbs during storm winds - < href="http://www.landfood.unimelb.edu.au/resman/staff/cv/James.htm">Mr Ken James, BEng(Agr), MEngSc
- Landscape Management of Diverse Sites within Production Areas: Research into the design and management of reserve conservation zones in rural settings, including maintenance of remnant sites - Dr Ruth Beilin, BA, DipAg(Hort), MSc PhD
- Landscape Design and Management on the Rural Urban Fringe: Research involving local urban fringe councils, focusing on vegetation regimes amenable to conservation and recreation values, including aspects of community participation in the on-going management of the sites - Dr Ruth Beilin, BA,, DipAg (Hort), MSc, PhD
- Social Science in Horticulture: Qualitative and quantitative research relating to urban and rural horticultural and landscape management, including landscape and visual sociology, environmental psychology and general social research - Dr Ruth Beilin, BA, DipAg (Hort), MSc, PhD, Dr Kathryn Williams, BA (Hons), PhD
- Plant Breeding and Selection of Native Clematis: Formal breeding and selection approach to certain members of the genus Clematis. Analysis of the environmental issues affecting the use of Australian native species and the commercial realities - Mr James Will, BA, BSc, MSc
- Measurement of Turfgrass Stress: Trialing thermal imaging techniques as a means to detect and measure stress in the turfgrass plant - Mr Ken James, BEng(Agr), MEngSc, Dr David Aldous, BAgrSc, PhD, GDipEdAdmin
- Optimum Greenhouse Environments: Determination of the optimum environmental conditions for a range of crops; Investigation of design features to assess their influence on the greenhouse environment - Mr Geoff Connellan, BEng(Agr), MEngSc
- Mycorrhizal endophytes of the Epacridaceae: Developing tissue culture protocols for members of the family for use in production horticulture and in revegetaion, testing of mycorrhizal inoculum for use in container grown nursery stock and molecular identification of mycorrhizal fungi to determine relationships between Australian Epacridaceae and the closely related Ericaceae - Dr Cas McLean, BAppSc(Biol), DipEd, PhD
- Implementation of recovery plans for rare and endangered Victorian terrestrial orchids: In vitro propagation of Victorian terrestrial Orchids, using asymbiotic and symbiotic methods of micro-propagation and tissue culture to produce potted plants for re-introduction and production horticulture and identification of orchid mycorrhizal fungi using molecular techniques - Dr Cas McLean, BAppSc(Biol), DipEd, PhD
- 4 Season Roses: Research into the development of roses that bloom all year in warm temperate climates - Mr James Will, BA, BSc, MSc
- Ornamental Flowering Pot Crops: Investigation into the breeding and plant assessment techniques necessary to produce high quality flowering pot crops in the genera Fuchsia and Clematis - Mr James Will, BA, BSc, MSc.
- Australian Rainforest Tree Species: Selection of Australian Rainforest Tree Species and provenances with superior tolerance of urban conditions - Dr Greg Moore, MBA, BSc(Ed), BSc, PhD
- Root Systems on Advanced Trees: Investigation into factors that affect production of high quality advanced tree stock - Dr Peter May, BAgrSc, PhD, GradDipEd
- Wound & Pruning Responses: Investigation of the capacity of common street tree species such as Platanus, Eucalyptus and Quercus to cope with wounding and pruning - Dr Greg Moore MBA, BSc(Ed), BSc,PhD
- Branch Attachment and Sudden Limb Failure: Research into the biology and mechanics of large branch failure - Dr Greg Moore, MBA, BSc(Ed), BSc, PhD
Innovation and Change Management in Rural Communities
- Sustainable Systems, Environment and International Agriculture: decision-making in farming systems; knowledge and technology management in agricultural systems; catalysing change in catchment communities - Dr Mark Paine, BHortSc, MHortSc, PhD
- Innovation and Change Management: Learning platforms for change management in land and food industries; continuous improvement cycles in agricultural systems and businesses; employment relations in agricultural businesses and industries; social capability building in Australian and International agriculture - Dr Ruth Nettle, BRurSc, MAppSc, PhD
- Asia and Pacific Agriculture: Farming systems in village agriculture; economic and social analysis; farming systems research - Mr John Perkins, BA(Hons), MScAgEcon
Resource Management and Cultural Heritage
- Human Dimensions of Resource Management: environmental cognition and emotion, and the implications for natural resource management and land-use planning - Dr Kathryn Williams, BA (Hons), PhD
- Phosphorus: Availability of phosphorus in soils under pastures - Dr Anthony Weatherley, BSc(Hons), PhD
- Gaseous Losses: Measurement of gaseous losses from grazed pastures - Dr Deli Chen, BSc, MSoilSci PhD
- Social Science in Resource Management: Research involving policy and planning issues relating to urban and rural landscape management, including catchment management, Landcare, conservation reserves (national parks, roadsides, etc.) and off reserve conservation. Evaluation of extension methodologies, sociological and psychological approaches to resource management - Dr Ruth Beilin, BA, DipAg (Hort), MSc, PhD, Dr Kathryn Williams, BA (Hons), PhD
- Remnant Vegetation Management: Vegetation dynamics, soil fertility and soil biota; the extent and behaviour of indigenous and introduced fauna - Dr Steve Hamilton, AssocDipAppBiol, DAppSc, MAppSc, PhD
- Cultural Heritage Management: Investigations into the social, cultural and environmental aspects of the indigenous peoples of northern Victoria, and the management of sites of cultural significance on public and private land - Dr Steve Hamilton, AssocDipAppBiol, DAppSc, MAppSc, PhD, Mr S Millington, AssocDipParkMgmt, BAppSc,MAppSc.
- Wildlife Ecology: Invertebrate distribution and abundance and effects on population due to landscape changes - Ms Cheryl O'Dwyer, MSc