Students track a career in ag science

03 November 2009

Scientist Matt Gentle and Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology students Hayden Champion and Jocelyn Bosse with technology used to track down feral pests.

Hundreds of high school students recently chatted to some of Queensland's best young scientists about their jobs which ranged from conducting aerial surveys of feral pigs to training baby fish to avoid predators.

The scientists revealed their career secrets at a chat show-styled event in Brisbane as part of a joint State Government and University of Queensland push to encourage more young people to enter careers in agricultural science.

Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said there were some amazing careers for agricultural science graduates.

'A career in ag science can put you in a position to save the planet, feed the world and land a great, well-paid job with ever-widening career choices,' Mr Mulherin said.

'We have joined the University of Queensland to reverse the trend of dwindling student numbers and to strengthen educational pathways to raise the profile of science in Queensland.'

According to recent research, demand for agricultural scientists continues to grow, yet there are declining numbers of graduates to take up positions in government and private industry.

The Revolutionary Science event was held at the Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology in Toowong on October 14.

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