The University of Tasmania, CSIRO’s Division of Food and Nutritional Sciences and the Defence Science & Technology Organisation (DSTO) are to jointly to establish a new Research Centre in Food Innovation at Stottsdale in Tasmania.

 

The Centre will support and enhance the research activities at DSTO Scottsdale which provides a dedicated food science and technology capability for Defence and will be redeveloped as part of the initiative.

 

Funding of $18.7 million has been allocated to redevelop food technology facilities, upgrade existing chemistry and nutrition laboratories and improve site infrastructure and working areas at Stottsdale. This is an additional $6 million over the amount previously allocated, and will need to be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works for consideration. Subject to Parliamentary clearance, construction is expected to begin in late 2011 with an estimated completion date in late 2013.

 

Announcing the new joint Centre, the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel Warren Snowdon said it would draw on synergies between DSTO, CSIRO and UTAS to develop novel approaches to nutrition and food science that will benefit the performance of ADF personnel as well as the needs of the wider Australian community.

 

Mr Snowdon was speaking at the opening of the International Symposium on Defence Nutrition in Scottsdale (northern Tasmania) where experts from Australia, USA, Norway, New Zealand and Singapore have gathered to discuss strategies for the future development of military nutrition and food science.

Outcomes from the symposium will inform the program of the proposed food innovation centre.