Golden Cockerel's Rod Jenner, Feedworks' David Cadogan, Ingham Enterprises' Margaret MacKenzie and Bioproperties' David Tinworth at the Poultry CRC Ideas Exchange in Manly, October 2009

In the latest issue of eChook News from Poultry CRC, CEO Professor Mingan Choct writes:

The answers were blowin' in the wind at the CRC's Ideas Exchange held at Manly's picturesque Q Station in October. The spectacular backdrop to the current CRC's final Ideas Exchange offered impressive views from Sydney's North Head, but the extreme weather besieging the east coast was a bit more 'nature' than everyone had hoped for.

Once again, the event proved to be a resounding success, giving the CRC's researchers the opportunity to engage with experienced industry personnel. It's not often that scientists are able to hear first hand about the industry's main issues and glean valuable insights that help the research community to target its R&D most effectively.

Several of the CRC's researchers presented 'snapshots' of their work, with Monash University's Dr Trudi Bannam getting the gong for best presentation on her work with possible vaccine targets for necrotic enteritis.

Back at base in Armidale, preparations for CRC 2 are progressing well, with more than 80 Preliminary Research Proposals being submitted before the September 30 deadline. It is likely that there will be some delay in calling for Full Research Proposals (FRPs) due to the sheer volume of proposals as well as complex agreements that need to be finalised.

Nominations for the CRC 2 Board of Directors have also been received, and the Chair-Designate, The Hon. John Kerin, has established a Board Selection Committee, which will be announcing an Interim Board soon.

I would like to thank all of those who took the time to submit research proposals or nominations for the Board and committees. We are working hard towards our desired start date of 1 January 2010, and look forward to ushering in the new year with a new CRC!

Mingan Choct