DPI soils researcher wins NSW Premier’s Prize for Science & Engineering
17 Oct 2016
NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Senior Principal Research Scientist, Dr Lukas Van Zwieten, based at Wollongbar has received one of the NSW Premier’s Prizes for Science & Engineering in the category Innovation in Public Sector Science & Engineering.
NSW DPI’s Chief Scientist, Dr Philip Wright congratulated Dr Van Zwieten for the recognition of his dedication and innovative research through the prestigious NSW Premier’s Prize.
“Dr Van Zwieten has worked for 20 years with the DPI to deliver valuable research focused on driving the performance of soils to improve primary production, and ensure the continued availability of this vital resource for food production,” Dr Wright said.
DPI A/g Director Soils, Dr Ashley Webb said currently Dr Van Zwieten leads a co-invested Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) national project investigating the impacts of the increasing use of herbicides, including glyphosate, on soil biology and functionality.
“This important work has helped to bolster farm productivity by improving our scientific understanding of soil function and microbial resilience, and how residual herbicides may be impacting crop yield,” Dr Webb said.
“The project aims to improve crop production with current models showing production is around 50 per cent of maximum potential in the $2.2 billion NSW grains industry.
“Dr Van Zwieten works with a strong, vibrant soils team based at Wollongbar Primary Industries Institute that research across a range of soils projects to increase the productivity and sustainability of cropping and horticulture industries.”
Lukas joined the Department in 1995 to work on legacy issues from cattle tick dip sites, and subsequently developed a remediation technology that has enabled over 700 sites to be safely decommissioned.
While Lukas has worked to provide on-the-ground outcomes for DPI he has also published in excess of 85 papers and book chapters and received over 5000 citations.
Dr Van Zwieten continues to deliver valuable outcomes for the wider community of NSW. He is a member of Soil Science Australia, and is on the Scientific Committee for a Global Environment Facility project.
The NSW Premier’s Prizes for Science & Engineering recognise research excellence and reward the State’s best and brightest for cutting-edge work including that generates economic, environmental, health, social or technological benefits for New South Wales.
Media contact: Anne Brook (02) 6763 1163 or 0477 358 305
