Charles Sturt University is establishing an Agriculture, Water and Environment Institute, to drive research outcomes that optimise farming systems and enhance the health of freshwater ecosystems.

In welcoming the new AWE Institute it’s timely to reflect on the achievements of the Graham Centre over more than 15 years in delivering research with impact and partnering with industry.

The Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation was established in 2005 as a research alliance between Charles Sturt University and the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI).

Research with impact

Graham Centre research has resulted in 73,976 citations, 3,254 articles and 746 conference papers presented.  The Centre has administered $79.8 million of research funding.

The Evergraze project resulted in more than 4 400 farmers covering over 900 000 hectares making changes on-farm, with demonstrated increases to productivity and profitability.

Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Functional Grain (Functional Grains Centre) has improved knowledge of the potential therapeutic benefits of grains for diseases like cancer and diabetes paving the way for product development and new marketing opportunities for the industry.

Graham Centre research on integrated weed management has provided strategic guidelines for farmers in southern NSW to alter management practices to better control herbicide resistant weeds while improving productivity.

Inspiring the next generation of scientists

164 HDR graduates have been associated with the Graham Centre, while 132 Honours scholarships and 112 student internships have given undergraduates a taste for research.

Over the years the Centre has also showcased careers in agricultural, animal, and food science to thousands of primary and high school students with an annual event bringing students on-campus for practical activities in the laboratory, glass house or field site.

Expertise makes a global difference

The Graham Centre’s international research has focused on improving agricultural production to increase food security in developing countries with projects in Pakistan, India, Laos, Vietnam, and the Pacific.

International PhD students associated with these projects have studied at Charles Sturt and used their knowledge to increase capacity for research in their home countries.