Innovation Award for Centre Researcher

Science and Innovation Award

Congratulations to Natasha Teakle, from the Centre for Ecohydrology and School of Plant Biology at UWA, on winning a Science and Innovation Award for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry 2009. Natasha was one of 13 industry winners presented with their awards at a formal dinner at Parliament house in Canberra on the 15^th September. Natasha's award was sponsored by the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC).
Grant Edmonds (AMPC board member), Natasha Teakle, Hon Tony Burke MP (Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestries), Kevin Collison (CEO of AMPC)

Natasha is using her award to study the physiological and genetic traits of legumes that can tolerate marginal soils. The aim of her project is to learn more about how the legume Melilotus siculus survives in salty, waterlogged conditions. This will involve collaborations with scientists from the United States using the latest sequencing technology to identify genes contributing to salt and waterlogging tolerance. As well as helping livestock producers expand into marginal areas, Natasha’s research could contribute to the development of new salt tolerant crop and pasture species.

“This award will enable me to undertake innovative gene discovery experiments and generate critical scientific networks for the future, to help improve the sustainability of saline land”.