Budding scientists investigate ag

Twenty-two senior high school students from schools in Armidale, Glen Innes, Gunnedah, Guyra, Inverell, Walcha and Tamworth converged on the University of New England last week, to connect with and learn from some of UNE’s leading agricultural researchers.
The day was organised as an intensive UNE Primary Industry Centre for Science Education (PICSE) reunion event. Students attending had completed or had just applied for the UNE PICSE scholarship, which showcases and introduces both research and some of the primary industries of the region to potential university students.
The need for the PICSE program remains evident. Prominent UNE poultry researcher, Associate Professor Julie Roberts, said that from agricultural production to research, there is so much demand for graduate, skilled workers that there is a need to source labour from oversees.