We are located in the vibrant innovation precinct between ANU and CSIRO. By creating a nexus between these two institutions, CEAT utilises the first-class facilities, expertise, and capabilities of both.
The Precinct includes the superior research capability in plant, environmental and computer sciences, robotics, economics, social sciences and policy contributed by ANU, and CSIRO’s translation capacity in the agriculture/food industries and strong partnerships with large corporations.
Beyond disciplinary expertise, CSIRO and ANU bring a set of valuable intellectual and physical resources to the Precinct. This includes a strong infrastructure base to enable technology experimentation and innovation to benefit the agricultural sector in the face of current challenges.
Interdisciplinary
In our agri-food innovation precinct, our interdisciplinary approach means that problems are addressed through biological, environmental and agricultural scientists working closely with computer scientists, engineers, economists, social scientists and policy specialists.
Problems and solutions need to be industry-aligned and designed in ways where entrepreneurial mindsets are encouraged. Entrepreneurship is crucial, having the potential to develop and regenerate economies, while also meeting the wider needs of communities
World-class research and infrastructure
As a place-based innovation ecosystem, we have a wealth of resources and expertise within walking distance, supported by an anchor plus model – meaning we are located in an urban centre, well-connected, including a cluster of related businesses (such as our Innovation Hub Members) anchored by major institutions – in our case ANU and CSIRO.
Our precinct includes expertise in:
Agriculture: ANU researchers have expertise and interest in a diverse range of areas relevant to agriculture, including soils, animal production, climate, biosecurity, and agricultural systems. ANU Sustainable Farms is creating a sustainable future for Australian farmers by building on 20 years of agricultural research to better understand relationships between environmental management, mental health and financial success.
Biology: The Research School of Biology (RSB) is focused on the study of biological processes in plants, animals and humans. It is home to more than 60 academics and their research groups. The precinct includes plant growth facilities, animal housing and a pool of large equipment. RSB hosts the ANU node of the Australian Plant Phenomics Facility, the ARC Training Centre for Future Crops Development, and the C4 Rice Project, with the capacity to address research questions arising from the cropping and alternative protein sectors.
Environment: The ANU Fenner School of Environment and Society is a world-leading centre for cross-disciplinary environmental and sustainability research and education, connecting science to practice and policy. Expertise within the School includes the effects of fire and climate, agricultural landscapes, hydrology, irrigation, crop pollination, soil science, biodiversity, forestry and grazing management. The Institute for Climate, Energy and Disaster Solutions works to advance innovative solutions to address climate change, energy system transitions and disasters.
Engineering: Research in the ANU School of Engineering encompasses materials and manufacturing, robotics, telecommunications, systems, and control of massively complex networks. ANU Makerspace is available to create prototypes.
Computer science: The School of Computing is a transformative centre for research in artificial intelligence and machine learning, computer systems and software, and theoretical foundations of computing. It spans traditional computer science and modern data and computational science.
Business and economics: Entrepreneurship and transformative innovation are among the research and education strengths of the ANU College of Business and Economics.
Public policy: The Crawford School of Public Policy is the region’s leading public policy school, with outstanding research focused on Australia, the Asia-Pacific, and beyond. Crawford School has a unique concentration of researchers concerned with integrity of public policy and governance systems. The College of Arts and Social Sciences brings expertise in policy and design thinking.
Science communication: The Centre for Public Awareness of Science conducts research into best practice for communicating science to the public, including issues such as emerging technologies and climate change.
Law: The ANU College of Law is nationally and internationally recognised for innovation and commitment to addressing the legal and governance challenges in realising a sustainable agri-food system. They can provide consultation, research and collaboration to assist in addressing agri-food system issues.
Image credit: ANU media