University of Melbourne to help fund future of horticulture research

The University of Melbourne will contribute $200,000 alongside the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) to establish the Innovation Seed Fund, announced recently as part of the department’s new Horticulture Centre of Excellence.
The $400,000 fund will underpin research to help develop Victoria’s horticultural industries over the next three years, with a focus on improving productivity, competitiveness, marketing and business management.

Professor Ian Anderson, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engagement), said the fund underlines the university’s commitment to the Goulburn Valley region, formalized in a specific regional strategy earlier this year.
“Horticulture is a significant part of the region’s future, which is a good match for the university given our existing strength in horticultural research. We have worked hard over the last six months to ensure that the university could put in place a number of strategic activities over the coming years that would contribute to the region’s economic, social and cultural development,” he said.
“This seed fund is one such activity.  We are absolutely committed to the fact that our research capability can give local growers and industry stakeholders the know-how to grow and develop their businesses accordingly, and have lasting regional impact.”
Researchers at both organisations will work together to develop collaborative projects that tackle issues such as the improved management of disease detection and response to export marketing or industry transition.
Individual projects will start in January 2015, with funding of $5000 to $25,000 available.

Master of Urban Horticulture

The Master of Urban Horticulture is designed for students seeking professional employment or research careers in the design, implementation and management of urban landscapes.
This horticulture course was developed specifically for those seeking professional employment or developing research careers in urban horticulture and landscape management. There is a focus on the design, implementation and management of urban landscapes. Employment opportunities can be found in a variety of settings including arboricultural services and tree management, urban parks and public open space, revegetation and restoration, residential landscape design, landscape and asset management, landscape construction and services and in nursery and greenhouse management. Upon completion of the course students can progress to PhD studies at the University of Melbourne. While it is beneficial for students to have some experience in the horticultural industry, it is not essential to have previous employment to gain entry to the course.
Graduates of the Master of Urban Horticulture can successfully pursue careers in areas such as

• urban landscape management
• education and training
• arboriculture
• horticultural media
• horticultural commerce and sales
• garden design and management
• nursery production

Students may also pursue a career in management or research and development in emerging areas such as Green Infrastructure, urban food production, and social and therapeutic horticulture.

Apply to the Master of Urban Horticulture at the University of Melbourne!

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Do you have any questions about studying horticulture and other environmental sciences at the University of Melbourne? Contact OzTREKK’s Australian Environmental Sciences Admissions Officer Rachel Brady at rachel@oztrekk.com or call toll free in Canada at 1-866-698-7355.