Industry body awards crop scientist

Dr Yolanda Gaspar, from the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, has won the prestigious 2013 CropLife President’s award for her contribution to Australia’s $1.5 billion plant science industry.

CropLife is an industry body that represents people working in the fields of plant biotechnology and agricultural chemicals in Australia.

Dr Gaspar won the award for her role as regulatory and compliance officer with the Australian agribusiness biotechnology company Hexima.

Dr Gaspar is also Hexima’s field trial project manager for genetically modified (GM) plant trials in Victoria, NSW and Western Australia.

She manages regulatory matters for Hexima at La Trobe, particularly laboratory safety, quarantine goods and gene technology. She is also a member of the university’s Genetic Manipulation Supervisory Committee.

The company was formed 15 years ago, by Professor Adrienne Clarke, Professor Marilyn Anderson, Dr Robyn Heath and Dr Angela Atkinson at Melbourne and La Trobe universities, after they discovered molecules that protect plants from insect predation and fungal infection.

The company develops technology for genetic modification of crops and has been transforming cotton and canola for many years. In 2008, it began to develop and commercialise fungal disease resistance technology in corn and soybeans with the agricultural arm of multinational firm DuPont.

The company raised $40 million through an initial public offering in 2007 and listed on the ASX. In 2011, the company delisted from the ASX, following approval from a general meeting of shareholders.

Hexima continues to conduct the majority of its research under contract with La Trobe University where Professor Anderson leads a scientific team of 30 researchers.