Western Sydney U - Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment

31/08/2026

The Future Food Systems Research Showcase, will bring together researchers, industry partners and innovators to explore the ideas, technologies and collaborations shaping the future of Australia's food systems.

This free event is an opportunity to hear directly from the people behind the research and discover how industry-research partnerships are helping deliver practical solutions for the food and agriculture sector.

📅 Wednesday 2 September 2026
🕐 1:45pm-5:30pm AEST
📍 Roundhouse, UNSW Kensington
🎟️ Free to attend

There is still time to register: https://events.humanitix.com/ffs-research-showcase

One afternoon. Big ideas. Real-world research. Join us on 2 September.

Next Wednesday, we’re bringing researchers and industry together at the Roundhouse for an afternoon showcasing the research, ideas and collaborations helping shape the future of Australia’s food systems.

Hear directly from the people behind the work as they share emerging findings, real-world applications and lessons from industry-research collaboration.

Topics will span RD&I and commercial outcomes, smart protected cropping, sustainable agriculture, robotics, circular economy innovation and turning ideas into real-world opportunities.

Date: Wednesday 2 September 2026
Time: 1:45–5:30pm AEST
Location: Roundhouse, UNSW Kensington
FREE to attend

https://events.humanitix.com/ffs-research-showcase

There’s still time to join us. Secure your place today.

Featuring Dr Rishi Naik (UNSW) Prof. Cordelia Selomulya (UNSW School of Chemical Engineering), Alison Lu (Perfection Fresh Australia), Brad Baker (Baker & Co Ingredients), Assoc. Prof. Jonathan Plett (Western Sydney U - Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment), Aastha Ranjan (Western Sydney University) Craig Shephard (Applied Agricultural Remote Sensing Centre (AARSC)), Hanieh Noeparast (Western Sydney University), Natalie Aaron (UNSW), Maryam Safarnezhad (UNSW), Assoc. Prof. Christopher Lehnert (QUT (Queensland University of Technology)), Dr Richard Thomas (Western Sydney University), Dr Mark Cardamis (UNSW) and Maddison McCoy (UNSW Founders).

27/08/2026

At the recent International Congress on Invertebrate Pathology and Microbial Control in 's-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch), the Netherlands, HIE PhD candidate Farzad Bidari was awarded the prestigious Mauro E. Martignoni Award from the Society for Invertebrate Pathology (SIP).

This award is the Society's premier award for student research. The winner is selected based on the submission of a CV, biographical sketch, presentation abstract, research outline, and supervisor support letter.

The award certificate and prize were presented to Farzad at the opening of the conference, where he also presented his research in a talk titled "Temporal dynamics of vertically and horizontally transmitted RNA viruses in Queensland fruit fly."

Congratulations to Farzad on this outstanding achievement and on becoming the first recipient of this award from both Western Sydney University and Australia!

For more information:

Mauro E. Martignoni Award: https://www.siponline.org/division-award-information
Past Award Winners: https://www.siponline.org/past-award-winners

Western Sydney University

27/08/2026

We're excited to announce the appointment of Professor Mark Tjoelker as Director of the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment 🎉

An internationally recognised leader in climate change and sustainable ecosystems research, Professor Tjoelker has served as Interim Director of HIE since 2025.

Professor Tjoelker will lead HIE as it continues ground breaking research and education into the impacts and mitigation of environmental change.

“The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment is uniquely positioned to address the global challenges of food security, climate change, and sustainability through collaborative, discovery-driven research and innovation,” said Professor Tjoelker.

Professor Tjoelker’s research focuses on how forests, crops and urban green spaces respond to climate change, with a particular emphasis on nature-based solutions for climate mitigation and adaptation.

Read more 🔗

Western Sydney University is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Mark Tjoelker as Director of the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE).

27/08/2026

A privilege to welcome the Brunei Royal Delegation to Western Sydney University’s Hawkesbury Campus on Friday, 14 August, led by His Royal Highness Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam.

The visit highlighted Western Sydney University's strengths in protected cropping, smart glasshouse systems, robotics, automation, digital imaging and data-driven horticulture — technologies with strong relevance to food security, productivity and sustainability across our region.

It was a valuable opportunity to showcase the Agri-tech precinct at Hawkesbury, including our flagship National Protected Vegetable Cropping Centre, and to explore future collaboration in agri-tech, research, education and innovation between Australia and Brunei.

Thank you to colleagues across Western Sydney University, including the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, the Factory of the Future, the School of Computing, Data and Mathematical Sciences, and the Australian Plant Phenomics Network for providing hands-on demonstrations of technology and applications.

We were also pleased to welcome Australian Government delegation guests His Excellency Mr Michael Hoy, Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, and Ms Lisa Rodgers, Australia’s Business Champion for Brunei.

Thank you to the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the High Commission of Brunei Darussalam for supporting this important engagement.

21/08/2026

Australia’s little penguins are facing a new challenge: the threat of avian influenza. More than 5,000 birds will soon be vaccinated in a proactive effort to protect vulnerable colonies and strengthen long‑term conservation outcomes.

Read the full article via The Conversation Australia + NZ: https://theconversation.com/more-than-5-000-little-penguins-will-be-vaxxed-against-bird-flu-how-will-this-protect-them-289962

Western Sydney University

Little penguins are flightless and return at night to the same burrow, making it easier to capture and vaccinate them.

06/08/2026

How do mangoes get their vibrant red blush? 🍋🥭

New research led by Western Sydney University researchers has uncovered the science behind the striking colour of , providing valuable insights into fruit pigmentation and quality. The findings could help support future breeding efforts and enhance the appeal of one of Australia's favourite fruits.

Read more:https://www.industry.mangoes.net.au/cmsb/media/mm-winter-26_web-lr.pdf

29/07/2026

Restoring Soil Health with Microbial Innovation 🌱

Could marine-derived microorganisms help restore degraded soils and strengthen agricultural resilience?

River Stone Aquaculture Innovations is developing an innovative biological soil restoration technology that harnesses diverse microbial communities sourced from marine aquaculture systems. By supporting the growth of beneficial microorganisms, this approach aims to enhance soil health, promote plant growth, and contribute to more sustainable food production.
The technology has the potential to address some of agriculture's most pressing challenges, including soil degradation, drought, plant disease, and declining productivity, while reducing reliance on synthetic inputs and supporting more resilient farming systems.

🔗 Read more: https://lnkd.in/gz8d4UXt

Future Food Systems Western Sydney University

29/07/2026

Last week the global mycorrhizal research community gathered at the International Conference on Mycorrhiza (ICOM2026) in Cairns, with more than 300 delegates from 37 countries exploring the latest advances in mycorrhizal symbiosis, ecosystem resilience, genomics, evolution and climate adaptation.

We were proud to see Associate Professor Jonathan Plett representing the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment and Western Sydney University as lead event sponsor, contributing to discussions that are advancing our understanding of the vital relationships between plants and fungi and their role in addressing global environmental challenges.

Learn more about Jonathan's research with project partner Future Food Systems: https://www.futurefoodsystems.com.au/people/assoc-prof-jonathan-plett/

Associate Professor Jonathan Plett works at the Western Sydney University flagship Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment.

29/07/2026

The 2026 Soil Biology Masterclass has moved to The UWA Institute of Agriculture.

We're pleased to share this upcoming opportunity for growers, agronomists and industry professionals to connect and explore the latest advances in soil health, sustainable agriculture and agricultural innovation. Events like these play an important role in translating research into practical solutions that support resilient and productive farming systems.

More information and registration: https://sway.cloud.microsoft/GKLqNUBppFmcbhjy?ref=Link

Brajesh K Singh

15/07/2026

The International Conference on Mycorrhiza (ICOM2026) brings together scientists, industry partners and environmental practitioners from across the globe to explore the theme, "Mycorrhizas in a Changing World: Challenges, Opportunities and Solutions."

ICOM2026 provides an opportunity to share innovative research, foster international collaborations, and discuss the critical role of mycorrhizal fungi in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem resilience, sustainable agriculture and climate change adaptation.

Western Sydney University is proud to be represented at this prestigious international event, highlighting the University's commitment to advancing environmental and ecological research with real-world impact.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1534823154206356