At the opening of the Centre for Genetic Epidemiology on 1 October 2009, Winthrop Professor Lyler Palmer spoke of an extraordinary – even transcendent – time in the history of bioscience.  This is an edited version of the speech.

We are in the midst of a major paradigm shift in our ability to understand the causes of common disease, powered by a genomics revolution.

The University of Western Australia's Ridgefield Future Farm will be officially opened next week with the aim of integrating cropping, livestock and native ecology and being carbon neutral by 2020.

Two new research topics completed by fourth year agricultural science students at The University of Western Australia (UWA) could play a key role in the development and adoption of grain varieties by WA growers.

Both topics come off the back of fourth year research project scholarships funded by Cooperative Bulk Handling (CBH) and, according to UWA Institute of Agriculture Director, Winthrop Professor Kadambot Siddique, they can make immediate impacts on the WA grains industry.

“One reveals that the royalty system used to fund most plant breeding could profoundly affect innovation, while the other shows we’re in danger of prematurely discarding some canola varieties that can still provide good resistance to blackleg disease,” he said.  

The University of Western Australia is hosting 80 scientists from 13 countries whose skills will help revolutionise plant breeding – and vital food production.

It is the first time an OECD-sponsored conference has been held in WA.  UWA and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) are the event’s co-sponsors.

We have developed two initiatives to assist with communication and clarification of issues arising from the course restructure.

This short summary provides further guidance to faculties as they prepare their Phase One proposals for majors within the Future Framework.

An ambitious research program will be launched tomorrow focused on engaging community action by delivering up-to-date information on the health of the Swan-Canning River Basin to every West Australian with the click of a button.

Winthrop Professor Jane Davidson, Callaway/Tunley Chair of Music, on an opportunity for vigorous debate over educational philosophy and its implementation: 

Developing courses of study in preparation for the University's new course structure has provided opportunity for vigorous debate over educational philosophy and its implementation.

The University of Western Australia will celebrate a successful decade at its Albany Centre on Monday.