Researcher wins Life Sciences Queensland award
University of Southern Queensland’s Professor Gavin Ash has been recognised for his contribution to regional Queensland, winning one of the Life Sciences Queensland (LSQ) annual GENE Awards, which recognise excellence in the life sciences sector.
Professor Ash, Executive Director of the Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, was announced as the winner of the LSQ Merck Life Science Rural and Regional Service Award.
The award recognises a person whose dedication contributes to the ongoing success and sustainability of regional Queensland’s life sciences industry.
At the University of Southern Queensland, Professor Ash leads the Institute and its three research centres: the Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Systems, Centre for Crop Health, and Centre for Applied Climate Sciences. Professor Ash also oversees the Broadacre Cropping Initiative partnership project with the Queensland Government.
His work has had an impact in Australia and overseas. As a leading figure in rice pest management research, Professor Ash has conducted extensive studies globally, spanning countries across Asia and Europe, the US and Australia.
Professor Ash has commercialised research for projects on biological control of weeds, diseases, molluscs, and insects.
Life Sciences Queensland (LSQ) CEO Dr Erin Evans congratulated Professor Ash.
“Professor Ash is recognised for his extensive collaboration with industry and government departments, showcasing effective leadership and expertise in innovation, commercialisation, and collaboration,” Dr Evans said.
“We were delighted by the incredibly high standard demonstrated by our finalists, showcasing the innovative and important work being done in Queensland’s life sciences sector,” she said.
Three other University of Southern Queensland staff members were named as finalists for the same award:
• Professor Bernadette McCabe, Director of the Centre for Agricultural Engineering
• Professor Eliza Whiteside, School of Health and Medical Sciences
• Rouz Fard, Associate Director, Industry and Community Partnerships
Find out more about research at the University of Southern Queensland’s Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment.
