Optimising training populations for enhanced prediction in barley

Genomic prediction models will increasing drive genetic gain in all crops, including barley. The rate of genetic improvement will be governed by the accuracy of predictions which are strongly influenced by the training populations utilised.  

Currently, there is a lack of clarity regarding the design of training populations for different target traits or even for different target environments for a single trait (yield) for breeding programs.  

The overall goal of this PhD project will be to explore optimum training population designs using a combination of empirical phenotypic and genomic datasets provided by the InterGrain barely breeding program and simulated datasets generated as part of this project. 

This PhD project is part of the ARC Training Centre in Predictive Breeding, led by UQ. You will be based at UQ St Lucia's Campus and will visit co-advisors based at InterGrain.

In addition to UQ supervision from Dr Owen Powell and Prof Mark Cooper you will have an associate advisor from InterGrain - David Moody

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

Learn more about the Research project scholarship.

You must contact the principal supervisor for this project to discuss your interest. You should only complete the online application after you have reached agreement on supervision.

Always make sure you are approaching your potential supervisor in a professional way. We have provided some guidelines for you on how to contact a supervisor.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

• previous academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history.

A working knowledge of quantitative genetics and crop physiology would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of statistics, genetics and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of plant breeding and plant biotechnology is highly desirable.

Before you apply

Before submitting an application you should:

1. check your eligibility for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
2. prepare your documentation
3. contact Dr Owen Powell (o.powell2@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability
4. submit your application by 24 October, 2024 24 October, 2024.

When you apply

You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for your program. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.

In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:

• ‘My higher degree is not collaborative’
• ‘I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship'
• ‘Other’, then ‘Research Project Scholarship’ and in the ‘Name of scholarship’ field enter BARLEY-POWELL.

Apply now