Special scholars blossom in Kings Park

The Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority (BGPA) recently welcomed its third annual group of Summer Scholars to Kings Park and, with eight lucky recipients, the 2007 quota is double that of 2006.

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"This year's intake is exceptional, with most students coming with academic records of high distinction," said Dr Siegy Krauss, conservation geneticist at the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority (BGPA).

"Most have completed the third year course that we teach through the University of Western Australia in conservation biology and restoration ecology. However, we've also attracted students from Germany and Canberra."

Dr Krauss explained that BGPA Summer Scholarships provide a unique opportunity for students who are considering Honours or post-graduate research in native plant conservation biology or restoration ecology.

With individual tutelage from a BGPA scientist, each student undertakes a research project in the Biodiversity Conservation Centre at Kings Park.

Currently the scholarships include a tax-free stipend of $7000 spanning a 12 week period and all operating costs.

Selection is competitive, with applicants required to submit not only their academic records but also an outline of the proposed project and a statement as to why they believe they merit the award.

Scholarship research projects this year range from assessing smoke-stimulated germination in the Haemodoraceae family, to understanding the role fungi play in orchid germination and growth.

"The Summer Scholarships program is a clear demonstration of BGPA's active participation in training tomorrow's conservation biologists," said Dr Krauss.

"The students benefit from a financially attractive scholarship which offers them a chance to pursue intellectually stimulating work in fields of genuine interest to them - which sure beats working in a supermarket for the summer!"

Dr Krauss said BGPA also benefits in the short term by attracting the brightest young minds for ongoing research underpinning practical outcomes - indeed, all eight students have expressed the desire to do their Honours or PhDs with BGPA.

"In the long term, however, it's not just BGPA which benefits by attracting top students into a career in conservation and restoration," said Dr Krauss.

"All Western Australians will benefit through the obvious flow-on effects these students could contribute to the conservation of the State's unique biodiversity."