Dr Oliver Knox is the 2022 CSD Researcher of the Year following an announcement at the recent Cotton Industry Awards at the Gold Coast.
CSD has been a strong supporter, investor, and leader in cotton research since it was founded in 1967. Since the 1980’s CSD has developed and released 117 cotton varieties, in partnership with CSIRO in the joint venture Cotton Breeding Australia, and other key technology providers.
James Quinn, CSD general manager of growth and development said through sponsoring the award CSD recognises that the Australian cotton industry is underpinned by excellent science and researchers.
“CSD knows the importance of investing in research and innovation to ensure a robust and profitable cotton industry in Australia, today and well into the future,” he said.
The two other finalists for this award were Stacey Vogel – Cotton Landcare Tech Innovations project team and Dr Mick Rose – NSW DPI researcher.
The winner, Dr Oliver Knox is the University of New England’s Associate Professor of soil systems biology and CottonInfo technical lead for soil health. He is well known for creating the ‘soil your undies’ campaign which engaged the broader community to learn the importance of soil biology, in a captivating, unique way.
Dr Knox recently released a new framework for soil health and this year he is taking the research lead on two projects related to cotton circularity.
Criteria for selecting the winner included innovative achievements, the impact on the industry and their commitment to their research and the greater industry.
Mr Quinn development presented Dr Knox with the award. “It is an honour for CSD to be able to recognise the tremendous contribution and commitment that Dr Knox has made to the Australian cotton industry,” he said.
“Oliver divides his time between classrooms, laboratories and farm fields working on issues that focus on keeping the soil biology alive and active which included his highly successful and innovative soil your undies campaign.”
As the winner of the award, Dr Knox received a bursary of up to $3500 from CSD to support further research or career development.
