Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative
The Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative (PBRI) is strengthening Australia’s plant biosecurity capability by connecting research, education, training and industry needs. Supported by Australia’s plant research and development corporations, PBRI provides a national platform to develop the next generation of plant biosecurity professionals and improve preparedness for emerging pest and disease threats.
Recognising that a skilled workforce is critical to Australia’s biosecurity future, the PBRI uses coordinated research, development and extension investments, training programs and collaborative events to grow national capability, reduce reliance on overseas expertise and ensure plant industries are prepared for future biosecurity challenges. Its collaborative approach has strengthened workforce capability, increased awareness of plant biosecurity careers and helped establish clearer pathways into the sector.
A cornerstone of the initiative is the Ritman Scholarship, which supports postgraduate students undertaking research in plant biosecurity. The program encourages multidisciplinary learning and connects emerging researchers with industry, government and research partners. Through applied research projects addressing real-world biosecurity issues, scholarship recipients are developing practical solutions that support Australia’s plant industries and national biosecurity priorities.
In addition, the initiative fosters ongoing capability development through targeted education, training and professional learning activities. Through workshops, seminars, symposia and knowledge-sharing events, students, researchers and industry participants collaborate on current and emerging plant biosecurity challenges. These activities help ensure research remains relevant, nationally coordinated and aligned with the needs of government, industry and the broader biosecurity system.
The initiative has also demonstrated a strong commitment to inclusion and knowledge sharing. Through partnerships with First Nations stakeholders, universities and industry organisations, it supports diverse participation in plant biosecurity education and helps ensure future capability reflects the broad range of skills, perspectives and knowledge needed to protect Australia’s plant industries.
Through its biannual Plant Biosecurity Research Symposium, PBRI brings together students, researchers, industry, government and growers to share knowledge, build networks and support practical solutions to cross-sector biosecurity risks.
By investing in leadership, collaboration and practical capability building, the Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative is helping ensure Australia has the expertise, partnerships and innovation needed to protect plant industries and maintain a resilient national biosecurity system.
Watch a video about their work
Introduction
This is the accessible text transcript of the 2026 Australian Biosecurity Awards winner video featuring Dr Mila Bristow of Horticulture Innovation Australia on behalf of the Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative.
Transcript
Hello, my name is Mila Bristow, the General Manager of Trade and Biosecurity Research and Development at Horticulture Innovation Australia.
Hort Innovation is one of the seven plant research and development corporations, or RDCs, who together with the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, make up the membership of Australia's Plant Biosecurity Research Initiative, or PBRI.
PBRI is a cross-RDC program working across Australia's food, fibre, forestry and wine industries to connect biosecurity research, education, training and industry need so that the science that we invest in is practical, coordinated and focused on the risks that matter most to our growers and the industries we represent.
A key part of the work that we do is building the next generation of plant biosecurity professionals. Through programs such as the Ritman Scholarship, Plant Health Student Network, workshops, seminars and the biannual Plant Biosecurity Research Symposium, PBRI is creating clearer pathways into the sector and helping to reduce Australia's reliance on overseas expertise.
For Australia's plant industries, this means stronger preparedness, faster access to the relevant science and a more connected national system capable of responding to future biosecurity challenges.
We are surprised and excited to receive the ABA Education Award for 2026 and would like to thank DAFF for recognising the importance of education that underpins Australia's biosecurity system.
On behalf of the PBRI members, I would like to thank Roxanne Considine from Agriculture Victoria, who nominated PBRI based on all the LinkedIn posts she read from our Ritman Scholars, our wonderful Ritman Scholars, following this year's 2026 PBRI Symposium.
Thank you very much.
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