Unsung hero of South Australian science

One of the features of National Science Week each year is the award of the Unsung Hero of South Australian Science. This year's recipient was Associate Professor Gil Hollamby from the Adelaide University's Faculty of Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences.

The annual award is made by The Australian Science Communicators [SA] to a South Australian based scientist whose work has not received adequate recognition. The recipient is also chosen as one who has shown a respect for science communication and actively promoted the benefits of science to individuals and society at large.

In announcing the award, Mr Robert Perrin, co-ordinator of the South Australian Science Communicators, paid tribute to Professor Hollamby's achievements.

Professor Hollamby leads the wheat breeding research team at the Roseworthy Campus of The University of Adelaide. Since his appointment as Assistant Plant Breeder in 1961 he has released major new wheat varieties such as Spear, Machete, Trident and Excalibur; bred specifically to grow in the dry Mediterranean agricultural environments of South Australia.

More recently, Professor Hollamby's expertise has been called on for breeding experiments in Western Australia. The breeding of plant varieties requires scientific rigour, long term planning and innovation, and conventional breeding is considered to be the origin of modern molecular marker and genetic engineering technology.

The Plant Breeding Unit at Roseworthy has received steady external funding over the years, but has not attracted the input and prestige of the Waite centre, despite its fundamental role in continuing to provide new variety releases. Recently however the Grains Research and Development Corporation and the University have allocated $250,000 to upgrade and enhance the Roseworthy facilities; a direct recognition of Professor Hollamby's abilities and his importance to the future of wheat breeding in South Australia.

The award recognises a scientist who also values science communication. "Professor Hollamby has always gone out of his way to communicate to all who would listen - students, growers, industry and the wider community," said Mr Perrin. "Each year he speaks at farmer and advisor update sessions, Agricultural Bureau events and Research Centre field days," he said. "His down to earth practical approach is welcomed by farmers, and his extensive knowledge of agricultural crops and insects is an invaluable resource for his students and peers."