The rice project changing the industry

A GROUNDBREAKING project to develop climate smart rice has helped boost Southern Cross University in the Times Higher Education 2025 World Rankings.

Rice is the staple food that is most eaten in the world, but traditionally, it uses a lot of water in its production and emits a high level of methane.

SCU scientist Dr Szabolcs Lehoczki-Krsjak, a Research Fellow in Rice Breeding and Genetics, has the backing of the Australian Research Council to develop dryland rice varieties that not only grow better on the Northern Rivers but use less water and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

The rice is being developed by Dr Lehoczki-Krsjak in conjunction with Southern Cross University’s Professor Tobias Kretzschmar and industry partner The Natural Rice Company, based at Kyogle.

Rainfall is used as the crop’s water source rather than irrigation, which restricts the production of methane produced by oxygen-restricted flooded paddies.

These ‘climate smart’ rice varieties include dryland-grown black rice that contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and has a lower glycaemic index. It also tastes great, Dr Lehoczki-Krsjak said.

The research will have implications worldwide, allowing rice to be grown in regions where it had not previously been possible.

“It will change the rice industry. It will be more sustainable and climate-friendly,” Dr Lehoczki-Krsjak said.

For local farmers, it means they have a broader selection of crops to grow, the researcher said.

“Farmers are very interested. They are waiting for new varieties. They want to have more options.”

The rice project is one of the university’s many projects that have contributed to strong results in the Research Quality and Industry sector of The Times Higher Education World University Rankings, pushing Southern Cross University higher within the 501-600 band.

The rankings judge research-intensive universities across all their core missions – teaching, research, knowledge transfer and international outlook.

Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Mary Spongberg said the research undertaken at Southern Cross University had a global impact, “which puts us squarely on the world stage”.

“Our researchers are also partnering with other international experts to share and build on their knowledge through collaborative studies,” Professor Spongberg said.

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Tyrone Carlin praised the efforts of Southern Cross University researchers partnering with industry through innovations, inventions and consultancy.

“Today’s careers demand graduates who are both knowledgeable and skilled in applying their learning. Facilitating and practising applied research is our focus at Southern Cross University,” Professor Carlin said.

“The great thing about Southern Cross University is the breadth of research we undertake. At any given time, our research spans numerous topics within science, engineering, business, law, and education – all of the important areas within today’s world.”