RPBC moves to increase research collaboration

Radiata Pine Breeding Company (RPBC) moves location to further enhance collaboration and extend its research reach. Radiata Pine Breeding Company (RPBC) is now located within the School of Forestry, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury.

The move is aligned with RPBC’s focus on expanding its collaborations with the University of Canterbury, Lincoln University, and Crown Research Institutes such as AgResearch, in addition to its ongoing collaboration projects and breeding nursery operations contracted with Scion (FRI).

“It’s very exciting for us to be able to fully tap into the wide-ranging expertise available within our sector through building closer working relationships with diverse educational and research institutions,” says RPBC General Manager Darrell O’Brien. “At the same time, our new location will enhance our connection with the foresters of the future via our presence in the University of Canterbury School of Forestry, the only University in New Zealand that offers forestry degree programmes. We are grateful to the School of Forestry for offering this co-location opportunity to the RPBC team.

“We currently have very exciting joint research collaborations underway with several Universities and a range of institutions, and we look forward to sharing more about those projects in the future. We are confident that our new collaborations, which are aligned with the increased quantity and scope of RPBC research projects, will add further value and resilience to the forestry industry in New Zealand and Australia.

“The School of Forestry is delighted to have RPBC co-located in the Forestry Building,” says Professor Bruce Manley, Head of Department of the School of Forestry at the University of Canterbury.

“This move supports even greater collaboration, including joint research initiatives and support of our teaching. Our students will benefit from RPBC input into their courses and co-supervision of postgraduates. RPBC also provides opportunities for post-doctoral fellowships and potential career pathways for forestry researchers.”

For more information, go to: www.rpbc.co.nz.

Source & image credit: Radiata Pine Breeding Company (RPBC)