Two research projects at Charles Sturt University (CSU) have been granted a total of $580 000 to investigate the benefits and harms of birds and insects to horticulture, and the role of virtues in social services.

 

The funding has been awarded under the Australian Research Council’s (ARC) research funding outcomes for Future Fellowships (2013) and Major Grants (2014).

 

CSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Sue Thomas, said the announcements highlighted some of the excellent research being undertaken at regional universities.

 

“These projects, which promote an understanding of our environment and aim to strengthen the social fabric of communities, will have benefit to all Australians,” she said.

 

“This again reaffirms the important role regional universities such as Charles Sturt University have in rural Australia and the unique capacities and insights this gives them in conducting cutting edge research in specific fields for the benefit of our nation.”

 

A project led by Professor Gary Luck from CSU’s Institute for Land, Water and Society received $360 000 over three years to study ‘nature’s balance sheet’.

 

“We’re looking at the interactions between insects, birds, and various forms of horticulture such as apple orchards or grazing land,” Professor Luck said.

 

“We’ll examine the benefits and harms birds and insects bring to each area so that growers can make more informed decisions about crop management.”

 

The second project received $220 000 over three years and is led by Professor Manohar Pawar from CSU’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

 

“The project will examine the role of virtues in facilitating improved social services and in building stronger communities,” Professor Pawar said.

 

“It will have implications for virtue-led social work practice.”

 

Federal Member for Calare, John Cobb, said he was thrilled to announce the funding.

 

“I’m delighted that two projects at Charles Sturt University have been funded to the tune of $580 130, which is great news for our local university,” he said.

 

“It reiterates Charles Sturt University’s important standing in the nation’s university mix.”

 

Minister for Education, the Hon. Christopher Pyne, MP, announced more than $522 million in research funding across five ARC funding schemes for a total of 1 177 projects across Australia.

 

To view summaries of all funded projects visit the ARC media announcement kit.

 

For information on Charles Sturt University visit www.csu.edu.au.