Since its inception in 2010, the Joint Graduate School has been instrumental in advancing the education of over 200 students in the realm of applied science and research, crucial for the prosperity of Aotearoa New Zealand's primary sector. This initiative, a collaboration between the University and Plant & Food Research, has seen ten Plant & Food Research personnel holding dual appointments, fostering a symbiotic relationship aimed at promoting applied research in the primary sector.
Professor Richard Newcomb of Plant & Food Research highlighted the school's role in demonstrating to students the impact of their research on the economic and environmental sustainability of New Zealand. He emphasized the importance of nurturing talent equipped with the necessary skills to address the future demands of the food and fibre sector, ensuring sufficient domestic food supply and bolstering the export economy while conserving the environment.
Students at the Joint Graduate School are exposed to a variety of research fields such as biosecurity, bioprotection, plant breeding, genetics, crop physiology, soil science, entomology, pollination, and food and nutrition. This exposure is facilitated by dual supervision from both the University and Plant & Food Research, enabling students to tackle real-world issues while attaining research excellence.
The school is set to support over 40 postgraduate students in the 2024 academic year, including 6 Masters and 37 PhD candidates.
Source: plantandfood.com