Emerging Researchers Network

The Southern NSW Innovation Hub’s Emerging Researchers Network builds research extension capabilities in NSW, bridging the gap between academia and industry with a focus on drought and climate resilience or rural and agricultural innovation.

The Emerging Researchers Network embeds knowledge, skills, and networks to support the extension and adoption of research, developing future leaders of rural and climate resilience research. It was co-designed with researchers as an evolution of the Hub's Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Engage program which provided opportunities between 2022 and 2024.

In 2025, the Emerging Researchers Network included a cohort of 11 researchers from Australian National University (ANU), Charles Sturt University (CSU), University of NSW (UNSW), and University of Canberra (UC). They came together in-person and online for training, development and connection with peers, mentors and industry leaders. They also participated in the  Australasia-Pacific Extension Network (APEN) mentoring program.

Read the impact case study

2025 Emerging Researchers Network

  • Joseph Anumba, University of Canberra - Investigating the impact of environmental exposures on wellbeing outcomes (using advanced geostatistical and multilevel models)
  • Clytie Binder, University of Canberra - Holistic organic waste management to support resilient communities
  • Jewel Cabardo, Australian National University - Supporting the sustainability of agri-food value chains through farmer entrepreneurship
  • Rabin Dulal, Charles Sturt University - Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in cattle identification and management to enhance resilience
  • Zahra Ghoreishi, Australian National University - Sociotechnical imaginaries in the Murray-Darling Basin to enhance the adaptive capacity of farmers and communities
  • Nani Gopal Das, Charles Sturt University - Heat stress mitigation in lambs and sheep through feeding
  • Mariam Khanam, Charles Sturt University - Addressing soil degradation and climate variability through cost-effective and sustainable methods for reducing salt stress and improving soil fertility
  • Miltone (Kishiki) Kimori, Charles Sturt University - Social marketing, communication, and community development in a future with less water
  • Pradeep Rai, Charles Sturt University - Regenerative Agriculture realities and addressing research gaps to inform farmers’ decision making on agricultural sustainability
  • Tiarna Scerri, Charles Sturt University - Alternative treatment to antibiotics for bovine mastitis – susceptibility to which is exacerbated by drought and heat conditions
  • Yangfan Zhang, University of NSW - Machine learning integrated new agri-photovoltaics system (merging solar power and farming) for rural reform