The TNQ Drought Hub joined researchers, students and industry partners at the 2026 AgTAC Awayday in early September, hosted by the Agriculture Technology and Adoption Centre at James Cook University.
The Awayday provided an opportunity to share research, explore new ideas and discuss how skills and expertise across AgTAC can help address challenges facing tropical agriculture.
A highlight was a series of short presentations from early career researchers and higher degree research students, showcasing the breadth of work underway across agriculture, technology and adoption. Topics included remote sensing and modelling, water quality, animal heat stress, soil health, artificial intelligence and grower engagement.
Among the presenters were Sabuj Kanti Nath and Sofie Boggio Sella, who are both recipients of TNQ Drought Hub scholarship funding.
Sofie presented research into using hyperspectral remote sensing to monitor Trichodesmium in Great Barrier Reef waters and predict climate-driven vulnerability, while Sabuj’s research explored agricultural systems and technology.
The presentations gave students an opportunity to build their communication skills, share their research with a diverse audience and receive questions and feedback from researchers and industry representatives.
Students were also recognised for their presentation skills and research, with Deb Gray awarded first place for research into whether biostimulants drive measurable changes in soil microbiology. Vinu Sankar placed second for research using AI-driven high-throughput phenotyping in Akoya oyster breeding, while Sofie placed third. Will Elrick was highly commended for his research into landscape connectivity and ecological outcomes.
The Awayday also explored AgTAC’s strategic priorities, industry engagement and opportunities to support future leaders through research and innovation with the hub able to provide linkages across the agricultural community.
For the TNQ Drought Hub, supporting students to undertake practical, regionally relevant research is one way to help build the knowledge and skills needed for agriculture to navigate changing conditions. The scholarship recipients will continue sharing their findings through reports, videos and practical insights, helping connect research with producers, communities and industry across the region.
Find out more about AgTAC.
