Fruit and veg the topic of Queensland’s science giants

The recently launched Health and Food Sciences Precinct at Coopers Plains claims to open up a new era of food science research that is good news for Queensland’s fruit and vegetable lovers.

The precinct provides a 'Centre of Excellence’ that will take Queensland food research to new heights as both state and federal government CSIRO scientists join forces at the centre.

With collaborations on a number of projects already in place before the centralised move, the co-location will fast track projects as it brings some of the state’s science minds together in the one building. Scientist Dr Michael Netzel is investigating plant biochemicals extracted from various Queensland-grown fruits that have health properties.

“Being located at one site is a big advantage for the project work, our collaborative work and for general interaction,” Dr Netzel said.

“We can share ideas and technology among organisations.

“This new state-of-the-art facility is every scientist’s dream as we have fantastic facilities and also we are working side by side with some of the state’s best researchers.

“The winners from this are also the industry partners and the consumers.”

Dr Netzel is currently working on projects relating to strawberries and the high antioxidant-yielding and soon-to-be-sold-commercially Queen Garnet plum, before moving on to projects around subtropical fruits including mangos and bananas later in 2010.

As a joint appointment with both CSIRO and the Queensland Government, his work demonstrates the advantages of collaboration for both industry and community.

The combined capability housed at the Coopers Plains precinct is assisting Dr Netzel as he investigates the potential health benefits of the plum, a delicious fruit specifically bred by Queensland scientists at the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI).

As well as intergovernment collaboration, the centre will benefit businesses as they can access the scientific intellect available at the site.

DEEDI Food Science Leader Dr Roger Stanley expects a wide range of researchers and technologists from national and international universities, companies and government agencies to be drawn to the site.

“I foresee this centre becoming the cornerstone of food research in Queensland,” Dr Stanley said.

“Through the collaboration between DEEDI and CSIRO, we have the capability to develop new and emerging technologies never before seen in this state.”