The John Cripps Horticulture Scholarship is developing the next generation of Western Australian researchers
Applications have opened for Western Australians to apply for the John Cripps Horticulture Scholarship.
The postgraduate scholarship provides $50,000 per annum for a Doctorate or Masters student to undertake full-time study on targeted science-based projects that benefit WA’s horticulture industry.
Applicants can select a research topic from a range of integrated pest management or postproduction options, including chilli thrips, western flower thrips, longtail mealybugs and cluster caterpillars, as well as refining avocado storage and ripening.
Study can be undertaken at any WA university and will have a collaborative focus partnering with government, academia, and industry.
The scholarship honours the memory of John Cripps, the renowned breeder of the Pink Lady apple, and is endorsed by the Cripps family.
“This scholarship is a fitting tribute to the ‘father of the Pink Lady apple’ John Cripps, who was not only a highly skilled scientist but also a visionary, putting WA bred apples on the international stage,” WA agriculture minister Jackie Jarvis says.
“The successful candidate will undertake important research on solutions to important challenges facing WA fruit and vegetable growers – helping this valuable industry to continue to grow and thrive.
“I encourage all scientists with a passion for discovery and making a difference to investigate how the John Cripps Horticulture Scholarship could further their professional career development.”
Inaugural scholarship recipient Golam Azam is one year into his doctorate mapping the genetics of the Cripps Pink variety and similar lines to help breed new tasty apples for consumers to enjoy that are profitable for growers.