The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is investing in the future of agricultural, biosecurity, fisheries and forestry research with the launch of a new Early Career Scientist PhD Pilot Program.
This program will strengthen DPIRD scientific capability and build a strong pipeline of research talent to address emerging challenges across the state’s primary industries.
The first selection round has now been completed, with four DPIRD staff announced as Phase One candidates:
- Mathew Dunn – DPIRD Research Agronomist, Cropping Systems Branch, Agriculture Division, Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute (WWAI).
- Emily Johnston – DPIRD Development Officer, Extensive Livestock and Pastures Branch, Agriculture Division, Coffs Harbour.
- Emily Onizawa – DPIRD Technical Officer, Animal and Plant Research and Diagnostics Branch, Biosecurity and Food Safety Division, Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI).
- Jessica Fearnley-Pattison – DPIRD Development Officer, Horticulture Branch, Agriculture Division, Orange Agricultural Institute (OAI).
All four students are undertaking their PhDs through a joint arrangement between NSW DPIRD and partner universities. This integrated model allows them to embed their PhD research with professional responsibilities, allowing them to manage their studies within their current roles.
NSW DPIRD Secretary Steve Orr said, each of these candidates are currently employed with NSW DPIRD playing an active and vital role within the Department and contributing directly to their respective industry areas.
“In their day‑to‑day work, they are deeply engaged with the sectors they support; Mathew Dunn works closely with the cropping industries; Emily Johnston with livestock industries; Emily Onizawa with animal and plant biosecurity; and Jessica Fearnley-Pattison with horticulture industries,” Mr Orr said.
“Participants will be equipped with practical skills and experience to deliver real-world impacts for the primary industries sector.
“Their roles place them at the centre of industry collaboration, extension, and applied research.
The Early Career Scientist PhD Pilot Program delivers on recommendations from the O’Kane Review, which highlighted the need to strengthen DPIRD’s research workforce, and is a key initiative under the NSW Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) Strategy 2025–2030.
Mr Orr said the program will build DPIRD’s scientific and technical capability in priority areas, creating clear pathways to retain and share critical knowledge over the life of the RD&E Strategy.
It will also strengthen research partnerships through shared facilities and collaboration with leading research institutions.
Under the program, participants will:
- Undertake projects co-designed and co-supervised by DPIRD scientists
- Access facilities and equipment across eight key DPIRD research sites
- Participate in structured learning and development alongside other DPIRD-supported PhD candidates
Mr Orr said, this pilot program will help build a highly skilled pipeline of emerging scientists aligned to priority research areas, ensuring NSW remains well positioned to respond to evolving challenges across agriculture, biosecurity, fisheries and forestry.
“I’m pleased to see our first cohort of talented DPIRD staff take this next step in their careers, while continuing to contribute to vital research for our primary industries,” Mr Orr said.
“This program is about backing our people, supporting them to deepen their expertise, stay in the regions and deliver real-world outcomes for industry and communities.
“By strengthening our research capability now, we are ensuring NSW is well positioned to respond to future risks and opportunities, from climate variability to biosecurity threats.”
