Australian Plant Phenomics Network launches new node at Western Sydney University
Richard Dickmann, CEO APPN; Professor Kevin Dunn, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic Transformation; Professor Ian Anderson, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research & Innovation; Ms Robyn Preston MP, Local Member for Hawkesbury; Professor Deborah Sweeney, Provost; Professor Mark Tjoelker, Director APPN Western Sydney University Nod e.
The Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN) today launched its new node at Western Sydney University, further expanding Australia’s world-class network of plant research infrastructure.
The Western Sydney University node provides state-of-the-art facilities for high-resolution digital plant phenotyping in controlled environments, strengthening Australia’s capacity to address food security and climate change through innovation in agriculture and horticulture.
This new node joins APPN’s collaborative network of nine national partners, which are supported through the Australian Government’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS), with field phenotyping support from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).
APPN CEO Mr Richard Dickmann said the APPN national team was delighted that Western Sydney University had joined the network.
“The APPN node at Western Sydney University offers a range of specialised controlled environment facilities to enable advanced phenotyping research in vegetable, tree, grain, and pasture crops,” said Mr Dickmann.
“The node gives researchers and industry clients access to advanced instruments, digital scanning technologies, and AI-enabled data analysis for real-time monitoring of crop growth and yield to support decision making and reduce costs of production.”
“It adds unique capabilities and will broaden the impact of APPN for Australian Agriculture.”
APPN Western Sydney University Node Director, Professor Mark Tjoelker, said that the launch highlights the University’s commitment to cutting-edge research and economic development in one of Australia’s fastest growing regions.
“By providing state-of-the-art infrastructure and fostering industry-led research collaboration, including mobile and multispectral phenotyping capabilities, the APPN Western Sydney University node would strengthen Australia’s capacity for innovation in sustainable horticulture and agriculture,” said Professor Tjoelker.
“The facilities available at the University’s node allow researchers to precisely control variables such as temperature, light, atmospheric CO₂, humidity, nutrients, and irrigation.”
“This enables the detailed study of plant responses and links genetic traits with growth outcomes.”
“A key priority for the node is to increase integration of agricultural technology in collaboration with growers and industry, ensuring research-based outcomes are directly relevant and can be translated into practical solutions for Australian farmers.”
Key facilities at the Western Sydney University node include:
- National Vegetable Protected Cropping Centre (NVPCC): a state-of-the-art greenhouse supporting research into sustainable, low-emission food systems through innovations such as vertical cropping, smart glass, automated hydroponics, and robotics.
- Pastures and Climate Extremes Facility (PACE): simulates future climate scenarios to test crop resilience against conditions such as drought, flooding, and extreme temperatures.
- Whole Tree Chambers: twelve unique, fully enclosed environments for studying trees up to nine metres tall, where researchers can manipulate environmental factors such as air temperature, soil moisture, CO₂ levels, and humidity to optimise crop production or study the effects of climate change.
“These advanced facilities represent a game-changer for phenotyping research,” said Professor Tjoelker.
“They allow us not only to deepen our scientific understanding of how crops perform under different environmental conditions, but also to apply that knowledge in practical ways—whether it’s developing climate-resilient pastures or helping the horticulture industry.”
“Industry and researchers are welcome to get in touch to learn more about our service offering and how they can utilise the APPN infrastructure.”
For more information visit: Australian Plant Phenomics Network | Home (opens in a new window).
ENDS
25 September 2025
Photo credit: Daniel Kukec Photography
Professor Mark Tjoelker, Director APPN Western Sydney University Nod e.
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