Research impact

WRI supported the establishment of Plant Synthetic Biology Australia (PSBA), a $20M national research infrastructure initiative funded through NCRIS and managed by Bioplatforms Australia. With nodes across leading Australian universities, PSBA provides the tools and expertise to accelerate advances in plant science, sustainable agriculture and bio-manufacturing.

WRI played a key role in securing the ARC Centre of Excellence for Plants for Space, advancing research into growing plants in extreme environments. The Centre is driving innovation in future foods and bioproduction systems, with applications on Earth and beyond.

WRI supports the OzMedicago Project, a national initiative developing next-generation pasture legumes to reduce methane emissions and improve farm sustainability. Working with leading research and industry partners, the project contributes to more climate-resilient agricultural systems.

WRI contributed to establishing the ARC Training Centre for Accelerated Future Crops Development, which is building skills and capability across the grains sector. The Centre integrates research, industry engagement and training to accelerate the development and adoption of new crop varieties.

In partnership with Coopers Brewery, WRI is advancing more sustainable brewing through the Low-input Malt Laboratory. This collaboration focuses on reducing environmental impacts and production costs while maintaining quality in malting and brewing systems.

This world-first facility supports winemakers to produce premium no- and low-alcohol wines at trial scale. Backed by WRI and key partners, it enables innovation, market testing and industry growth, positioning South Australia as a leader in this emerging sector.