Emerging Scientists 2025

The Emerging Scientists Program

 

The Emerging Scientist competition has been a highlight of every DRF Symposium! We will showcase the research of a select few emerging dairy scientists in what we regard to be a unique professional development opportunity.

The competition will feature presentations from emerging scientist’s focusing on their dairy research project, its relevance to the Australian dairy industry and how the work may be integrated at a farm level. Each scientist will have five minutes to deliver their presentation followed by some time for questions and discussions. A sneak peak of each presentation will be shared during the week’s leading up to the Symposium in the form of a 1 minute promotional video.

 

Eligibility

 

Currently enrolled students.

 

What type of projects are we after?

 

The whole philosophy of the Foundation is to foster emerging dairy scientists. Any project with the capacity to have a positive impact on Australian dairy farm productivity and sustainability is relevant to this event.

Expressions of interest and abstracts are due by Wednesday 24th September. This allows for the selection and organisation of speakers.

 

What is the process for participation in the Symposium’s Emerging Dairy Scientists Program?

 

 

  1. Application: Complete and lodge the expression of interest form, including a headshot in jpeg or png format and a brief bio (max 100 word) and abstract (see template below) by Wednesday 24th September.
  2. Successful applicants will be notified by Monday 6th October and will need to confirm acceptance to participate in the 2025 Emerging Scientist Competition and that they will attend the DRF Symposium, by Friday 10th October.
  3. Travel reimbursements will be available for up to $500 upon presentation of receipts for travel transport and meals (max $50 per day meal allowance). Accommodation for the symposium will be provided for the nights of Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th November in twin shared rooms with another emerging scientist of the same gender (unless negotiated). We will endeavour to provide transport from Campbelltown Station, Wollongong Station, or Dapto airport. Conference registration including compulsory attendance at the conference dinner will be provided.
  4. Final abstracts will be made available to delegates on the DRF website.
  5. Successful candidates will prepare a 1 minute promotional video encouraging people to join the Symposium and attend the emerging scientist presentations. This video must be submitted by Wednesday 29th of October and will be shared on our social media platforms. Be creative and inspiring! Show your lab, your tools, material, cows, milk, paddocks or whatever you think will get people’s attention!
  6. Candidates will deliver a 5-min presentation in an auditorium Day 1 (November 26th). Power point slides can be used and we expect a focus on Why you did the research (the question your research is addressing and the relevance to the Australian Dairy Industry), How you did your research (brief description of how you conducted your research to answer your research question), What you found (succinct explanation of your findings in lay language), and Application (how your findings can be applied or farm now or in the future with additional work, what they mean for Australian farmers, and/or what are the next steps in your research to future improve application). Expect audience questions at the end of your presentation.
  7. There will be prizes awarded for Best Abstract, Best Promotional Video and Best Presentation, to be announced at the Symposium dinner on the evening of Day
    • Best Abstract $250
    • Best Promo video $250
    • Best Presentation $500
Download the application document.

Dairy Research Foundation 2025 Symposium

 

Emerging Dairy Scientists’ Program

Please complete this form and upload your abstract by Wednesday September 24th 2025. For any queries contact Dr Helen Golder heleng@scibus.com.au.

Name
(max 100 words):
Note this is an essential requirement. The formal title of your work as per the enclosed abstract template, will most likely not be the title used in the promotional brochure aimed at farmers, if your abstract is selected. Therefore, please ensure you provide appropriate thought into suggesting a marketing title of your work, so this can be used should it be chosen for presentation.

Additional Keywords

Add up to 5 keyword strings maximum. Click the + button to add another keyword string.
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Template Abstract for the Emerging Scientist Submissions to the DRF Symposium

A.A. AuthorAC, and A.A. AuthorB

ACUniversity of……, City, State, Postcode
BUniversity of……, City, State, Postcode
CCorresponding author. Email: email@email.edu.au

Abstract. 300 words maximum, should include objectives, methodology, results, discussion and conclusion/applications as per standard peer-reviewed scientific abstract. Please spell out all abbreviations on first use.

Can include one figure, table or graphic if required.
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