WA Agricultural Research Collaboration (WAARC) Director Kelly Pearce was honoured to be invited back for another year to judge the 2025 Young Professionals in Agriculture Forum.
Hosted by Ag Institute Australia (WA Division) and sponsored by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the forum has recognised the research efforts and passion of early-career scientists for more than 20 years.
Event organisers invited DPIRD Esperance Principal Research Scientist David Hall and Dr Pearce, who is also an Ag Institute Australia member and former Board representative, to judge the forum on 12 March.
In selecting the forum’s medallist and prize winners, Dr Pearce and Mr Hall were looking for high-calibre research projects with independent thought, clear hypotheses, and well-defined outcomes.
“The competition is about recognising final year, honours or masters by research projects, and we wanted to reward students who demonstrated rigorous effort and sound methodology,” Dr Pearce said.
The overall winner was Edith Cowan University Bachelor of Science undergraduate Ellie Simpson, who was awarded the forum’s Noel Fitzpatrick medal.
The prestigious medal, which honours former Department of Agriculture Director General Noel Fitzpatrick, was presented by his daughter Carol Ireland.
Ms Simpson profiled research to identify soils susceptible to acidification in the WA Wheatbelt.
She has produced maps and statistics that identify acidic ‘hotspots’ to aid data-driven, decision-making tools to refine lime applications and reduce soil degradation.
DPIRD Chief Primary Industries Scientist and past forum winner, Ben Biddulph, presented second prize to Murdoch University veterinary graduate Jai Thomas, and both third prize and best presentation award to fellow Murdoch University veterinary graduate James Mettam.
Mr Thomas’ research provides evidence-based recommendations to refine nose ring application procedures to improve cattle welfare, and Mr Mettam’s research is focused on the potential threat of microplastics and nanoplastics to livestock.
Dr Pearce said the AIA student forum’s values and objectives strongly aligned with those of WAARC by supporting and inspiring the next generation of talented scientists and leaders in agriculture and food.
“It is important for WAARC to advocate support for graduates to consider an honours and research-based master’s, not only as a pathway to a PhD and a career in research and development or academia, but also as a valuable foundation for industry roles,” she said.
“An honours or research-based master’s develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to work independently – skills that are essential in both scientific and industry settings.
“Whether students pursue research, policy, or industry roles, the experience of conducting scientific research equips them with a structured, evidence-based mindset that enhances long-term career success.”