Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 2h🍓Researchers at UQ have developed innovative "flavour wheels" that help breeders identify the taste characteristics consumers value most. The project provides a common language for assessing flavour, helping accelerate the development of more enjoyable fruit varieties. 🔗bit.ly/4dfuGZH 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 30/09/2026Congratulations to Professor Ben Hayes on being elected a Fellow of ATSE. Recognised as a precision breeding pioneer, his research is transforming the way genetics and genomics are used to improve livestock productivity, sustainability and resilience. 👉Read more: bit.ly/4hnuees 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 29/09/2026🌱🎵 Do plants grow better when you play them music? In a new article from The Conversation, QAAFI researcher Lily Whelehan explores what the science actually tells us about plants and sound. 📖 Read now: ow.ly/F6th50ZStBk 022
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 25/09/2026🥩The Maillard reaction is responsible for the rich, savoury flavours and aromas that make cooked beef so appealing. Research from Dr Thomas Hay and colleagues at QAAFI is advancing our understanding of how breed, diet, environment and cooking methods shape beef flavour. 👉bit.ly/3TRHxKW 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 22/09/2026As interest grows in climate-resilient crops, understanding what consumers will actually eat, drink and buy is critical. Join us today to discover how consumer and sensory science is unlocking the market potential of millet foods and beverages. 📍https://ow.ly/Bl4b50ZPW5C 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 17/09/2026🌾New research shows that the genetics of one crop can significantly influence the next crop in a rotation. By breeding for farming systems, not just yield alone, researchers believe growers could unlock productivity gains while reducing input requirements. 👉bit.ly/4hcutHGbit.lyBreeding for better rotations opens a new frontier in farming systemsBreeding crops for farming systems rather than yield alone could exploit untapped genetic potential and help farmers cut fertiliser bills. This new way of thinking about crop breeding has been set out by researchers at The University of Queensland. 020
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 16/09/2026🔬 PhD candidate, Manda Wang, studies Turnip Yellows Virus and its impact on canola and other brassica crops. Recently, she stepped beyond the lab to undertake an industry placement with Wrays, gaining experience in patent drafting, innovation strategy and commercialisation. 👉 bit.ly/3Vuk4jk 020
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 14/09/2026🌾Can grains like sorghum and millet win over Australian consumers? Next up on QAAFI Science Seminars, we have Simoné Moller, Ishita Pramanik and Philippa Harmon from Queensland DPI. They will share research on consumer acceptance of millet-based foods. 📅 22 Sep, 12PM AEST 🔗 bit.ly/4AcExJw 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 08/09/2026🐮Join Dr Hannah Siddle TODAY as she explores innovative new approaches to tick control, from genomics and vaccine development to rapid resistance testing, and what these advances could mean for livestock industries in Australia and beyond. 🕛 12pm AEST 🔗uqz.zoom.us/j/84389571300 021
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 07/09/2026Last Wednesday, 50+ staff and students came together for the QAAFI Unity Walk at Gatton campus. 🚶🏻♀️👣 Inspired by the words "for we are one", the 1.9km campus walk provided an opportunity to celebrate connection, wellbeing and community. 010
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 04/09/2026Congrats to Prof Lee Hickey on receiving the ACGR award for Excellence in Promoting Industry Engagement in Graduate Research. He leads the ARC Training Centre in Predictive Breeding at UQ, and his innovative training model ensures academic and commercial careers for all candidates. 🔗 bit.ly/4ickZyw 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 02/09/2026🌿Join QAAFI's Prof Bhagirath Chauhan for The Secret Life of Weeds, a guided tour at the UQ Boyce Gardens Community Day in Toowoomba as part of the 2026 Carnival of Flowers. 📅 Sunday 20 September 2026 🎟️ Register now: bit.ly/462yMAg 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 01/09/2026🐮 What if we could detect tick resistance before control methods fail? Join Dr Hannah Siddle as she explores innovative approaches to tick control and the development of rapid tests that could help producers respond more effectively to chemical resistance. 📅 8 September 🔗 bit.ly/4gDfpCD 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 30/08/2026🐄 What if producers could access key genetic information within 24 hours, right on the farm? New QAAFI research has demonstrated that on-farm genetic testing can deliver accurate age estimates, parentage verification and genomic breeding values for cattle. Read now👉bit.ly/4iDt9zS 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 25/08/2026🚁🌾QAAFI Science Seminar on today! Join Srinivasa Reddy Mothukuri as he shares how UAV phenomics and genomic approaches are helping predict lodging in sorghum breeding trials, supporting faster and more efficient crop improvement. 🕛12pm AEST 🔗uqz.zoom.us/j/85033777022 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 24/08/2026On 20 Aug, QAAFI and AGFS hosted their first joint Honours and Masters Information Event at the Gatton campus, bringing together students interested in pursuing postgraduate research opportunities in agriculture and food science. 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 18/08/2026🚁🌾 Can drones help breeders build better sorghum? Join Srinivasa Reddy Mothukuri next week as he explores how UAV phenomics and genomics are transforming the prediction of lodging in sorghum breeding trials. 🔗bit.ly/3U7c9Ic 🕛25 Aug, 12pm AEST 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 14/08/2026Australia's Chief Scientist, Professor Tony Haymet, and Queensland Chief Scientist, Professor Kerrie Wilson, visited UQ's Plant Futures Facility this week to learn more about the world-class research infrastructure helping shape the future of Australian agriculture. 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 13/08/2026A genetic discovery in Australian barramundi is challenging long-held assumptions in genetics and could help improve future breeding programs. 🐟🐟 If you haven't already, check out Jessica Hintzsche's latest research: bit.ly/4gayRq8 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 11/08/2026🌰 Join PhD candidate Palakdeep Kaur TODAY at 12pm AEST as she presents her latest research into the genetics of self-fertility in macadamia. 📍uqz.zoom.us/j/85788402732 🕛 12PM AEST 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 03/08/2026🌰Upcoming QAAFI Science Seminar: Join PhD candidate Palakdeep Kaur as she explores the genetics behind self-fertility in macadamia and how this trait could help breeders develop high-yielding cultivars for the future. 🕛11 August, 12:00pm AEST 🔗bit.ly/4575wb9 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 31/07/2026Congratulations to Prof Heather Smyth on receiving the Australian Institute of Food Science and Technology (AIFST) Education Award for 2026. 🎉 The Awards recognise excellence, leadership and impact across the food industry, making this a well-deserved recognition. 👉ow.ly/O3jS50ZuSHo 030
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 30/07/2026Australians drink around 2 billion cups of coffee every year, yet less than 1% is grown here in Australia. ☕ A new $4 million Australian Coffee Research Program aims to change that. 👉 bit.ly/4pPx0f5 020
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 28/07/2026🍊 Today, PhD researcher Joel Johnson will present findings from his research into five native Australian citrus species, exploring their vitamin content, unique flavour compounds and potential applications for the food and health sectors. 🕛12:00pm AEST, TODAY 🔗uqz.zoom.us/j/87036612100 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 22/07/2026Check out this 7News Sunshine Coast segment by Rebeka Jensen about the lastest Passionfruit research featuring QAAFI's Dr Mobashwer Alam Alam and Dr Pragya Dhakal Poudel. Watch the original: bit.ly/4pIbB7l Read more here: bit.ly/43k8NCY 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 21/07/2026🥭 Why does an Australian mango never quite taste like an Alphonso? According to Prof Heather Smyth and UQ flavour research, it’s not just nostalgia. Different aroma compounds give Australia’s beloved Kensington Pride and India’s iconic Alphonso their distinct flavour identities. 👉 bit.ly/3RMUG75 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 17/07/2026What can ancient grasses teach us? 🌾For thousands of years, Aboriginal communities in southwest Queensland harvested native grasses like channel millet, a vital food source in a challenging landscape. Now, researchers have discovered something surprising hidden in the plant’s DNA. 👉 bit.ly/4f91aWM 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 17/07/2026What if the next big breakthrough in nutrition is growing right here in Australia? 🌱🍊 Join us on 28 July for a QAAFI Science Seminar investigating the composition and bioactivity of these unique fruits, presented by emerging food chemistry researcher Joel Johnson. 📅 28 July 2026 🔗bit.ly/4yrAQ1O 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 16/07/2026Congratulations to all QAAFI students who graduated this week 🎓 From long days in the lab and field to breakthrough ideas and discoveries, you have worked hard to get here. We look forward to seeing the impact you will make. The future of agriculture and food is in excellent hands! 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 14/07/2026📣Join us TODAY at 12pm AEST for a seminar with Emeritus Professor Robert Henry, QAAFI’s founding Director. He will share insights into how advances in DNA sequencing and spatial omics are transforming our understanding of plant biology. 🔗 uqz.zoom.us/j/89209770324 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 13/07/2026QAAFI PhDs Callum Jamie and Hamza Ramzan have both been being awarded 2026 Crawford Fund Student Awards. These awards support emerging researchers to gain hands-on experience in international ag research and development. Read more 👉 ow.ly/EZyk50ZmKZV 010
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 09/07/2026Is gentle handling the secret to better tasting honey? 🐝 Research undertaken by PhD candidate James Yu Jun Lian and Professor Heather Smyth is uncovering how extraction methods can impact flavour, aroma and quality - potentially redefining what “fresh” honey means. 🍯Read more: bit.ly/4vVb2td 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 08/07/2026Join us for a seminar with Emeritus Prof Robert Henry on 'Research for Food, Energy and Conservation of Biodiversity'. Discover how advances in DNA sequencing are accelerating plant improvement, supporting food security, and driving innovation. 🕛14 July 🔗bit.ly/4f2gF1z 011
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 08/07/2026Professor Yasmina Sultanbawa and Madonna Thomson features in ABC’s 'Every Bite' to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping Australia’s native foods sector. Listen now 👉 ab.co/3RqHTHc 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 07/07/2026🌾 Join us TODAY for our QAAFI seminar on the achievements of the Hy-Gain Project. Join us to hear from Prof Anna Koltunow and Prof Brett Ferguson as they share the latest science, the impact of the project, and something that’s been kept under wraps until now. 🕛12PM AEST 🔗uqz.zoom.us/j/89739000372 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 03/07/2026Researchers at QAAFI are testing a promising new non-GM spray that could help control insect-spread viral diseases in grain crops. Led by Dr Karl Robinson, the 3-in-1 approach aims to boost plant defences, disrupt viral replication and target aphid vectors. 👉bit.ly/4eX8ZgO 010
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 01/07/2026🌾Join us on 7 July for a QAAFI seminar on the achievements of the Hy-Gain Project, featuring Prof Anna Koltunow and Prof Brett Ferguson. They will discuss the science, the impact, and an important part of the project that has been kept under wraps until now. 🕛 July 7, 12pm AEST 🔗bit.ly/3SGfZr0 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 30/06/2026🐷Join QAAFI's Viet Hai Tran TODAY as he dives into how post-weaning diets can shape piglet gut microbiota, support healthier gut function, and inform better feeding strategies. 🕛 12:00PM AEST 🔗uqz.zoom.us/j/81248452138 100
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 24/06/2026A partnership between UQ and the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research is helping strengthen how improved crop varieties reach farmers. The collaboration has modernised breeding systems, improved data use, and built lasting capability to respond to future challenges. 🔗bit.ly/4w1UoYl 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 19/06/2026🐖Join QAAFI PhD candidate Viet Hai Tran as he shares how post-weaning diets can shape gut microbiota to improve piglet health, resilience, and performance. His research combines nutrition with metagenomic approaches to help inform suitable diets. 🕛 30 June, 12pm AEST 🔗bit.ly/4oA4FIS 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 17/06/2026QAAFI took part in this year’s IRTG 2843 retreat, held from 28 May - 5 June. It brought together a truly global community working to accelerate crop genetic gain. Hosted by JLU in Giessen, it included 80+ PhDs, postdocs, PIs, and board members. Thank you to all who made the week such a success. 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 03/06/2026🌳PhD candidate and plant pathologist Brittany Oswald has identified an aggressive soilborne Phytophthora pathogen driving tree losses in Australian almond orchards, and is working with partners to develop integrated, long-term disease management strategies for the industry’s future.🔗 bit.ly/4x5tlwK 141
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 01/06/2026Explore the latest edition of Innovation in Agriculture. 👉 bit.ly/4vlKmkH From bigger, tastier and longer-lasting passionfruit on the horizon, to cutting-edge genetic tools helping breed hornless cattle, discover how QAAFI and partners are tackling challenges and unlocking new opportunities. 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 25/05/2026Ahead of National Reconciliation Week, we reflect on the importance of listening to and partnering with Indigenous leadership. In this opinion piece, QAAFI PhD Jacob Birch shares a vision for food systems that prioritise healthy people and healthy Country. 👉 bit.ly/4e0cF21 010
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 21/05/2026Bigger, tastier passionfruit could soon be on the way. 🍅 bit.ly/43k8NCY QAAFI's Dr Mobashwer Alam and Dr Patrick Mason are developing next-generation varieties with higher yields and declicious new flavours, working side-by-side with growers to ensure they deliver in real conditions. 010
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 15/05/2026QAAFI’s Dr Viviene Santiago and Dr Millicent Smith are taking science beyond the lab and into the community on 18 and 20 May. Join them at The Burrow in West End as they unpack global challenges, from tackling methane emissions to adapting crops for a hotter world. 👉 bit.ly/493RERo 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 13/05/2026📣We’re hiring a Principal Media and Content Officer at QAAFI. In this senior role, you’ll lead our media strategy, turn complex science into compelling stories and elevate the impact of world-class research across industry, government and the wider community. 👉 bit.ly/4wpUKJv 000
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 12/05/2026Join us for our next QAAFI Science Seminar with PhD candidate Anqi Li. 🧬Explore how the structure of food polysaccharide gels influences gut fermentation, microbial activity, and nutritional function, helping inform the design of functional food systems. 🕛12PM AEST, 19 May 🔗bit.ly/42xMMjM 121
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 08/05/2026The Animal Science Poster Olympics is on again for 2026! 🐄🐑🐖🐟 The competition brings together higher degree students and early career researchers to showcase work across genetics, nutrition, animal health, microbiology, and aquaculture. 🕛28 Aug, 1-4pm 📍St Lucia 🔗 bit.ly/4eAkJr7 111
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation @qaafi.bsky.social · 06/05/2026What makes food spicy? 🌶️🤔 Our very own Prof Heather Smyth is helping curious kids find out on the 'Imagine This' podcast. Joining host Dr Niraj Lal, Heather explores where spice comes from, why it feels “hot,” and why milk can cool things down.🎧https://ab.co/4tdr7Ir 000