CSIRO (Australia's National Science Agency) 
Canberra, Australia Project Description
Funding and duration
four year scholarship package totalling approximately $48,000 per annum tax exempt (2026 rate); four-year scholarship and research training program.
Project overview
Project title
Completing the puzzle: integrating automated spore counts into real-time crop disease management
Project description
This project aims to link novel automated disease surveillance technology with spatial and climate data streams to improve crop disease management. The expected outcome is decision-support capability that translates multiple data sources into actionable recommendations for growers. The potential benefit is improved productivity and sustainability through more targeted interventions and more efficient use of crop protection inputs.
Supervisory team
University
Name of university supervisor | Toni Petronaitis
Name of university | University of New England
Email address | tpetrona@une.edu.au
Faculty | Agriculture
CSIRO
Name of CSIRO supervisor | Susan Sprague
Email address | susan.sprague@csiro.au
CSIRO Business Unit | Agriculture and Food
Industry
Name of industry supervisor | Michelle Demers
Name of business/organisation | BioScout Pty Ltd (Website)
Email address | michelle@bioscout.com.au
Further details
Primary location of student | CSIRO Black Mountain, Building 101 Clunies Ross Street, Black Mountain ACT
Industry engagement component location | Bioscout Pty Ltd, 6 Sloane Street, Marrickville NSW
Other locations | University of New England, Elm Avenue, Armidale NSW
Ideal student skillset | Essential BSc (Hons) or MSc in relevant discipline (e.g. Agriculture, Data Science) Excellent writing and communication skills, willingness to collaborateGood problem-solving skills and interest in the application of digital technologies to real-world challengesData science and statistical modelling, programmingDesiredInterest in agricultural systems
Application close date | Open until position filled
Apply | University of New England
