(L-R) 2024 WA Nuffield Scholars Laura Bennett, Shannen Barrett and Ashley Wiese
Shannen Barrett is the 2024 recipient of the oat-focused Nuffield scholarship co-funded by GIWA and the Processed Oat Partnership (POP). The bursary allows scholars to travel for 15 weeks over two years to study a topic important to their industry.
Shannen’s scholarship enables her to study development opportunities for Australian oats, with a particular focus on the health food industry. She has just returned from her first overseas trip and provided us with an update on her experience so far.
“Over the past 7 weeks, I’ve embarked on a whirlwind adventure across five countries, with 65 visits, 20 different industries and 15 flights – as part of my Nuffield Scholarship supported by the Processed Oat Partnership.
“Week one was spent in Canberra where I and my fellow Australian scholars delved deep into the intricacies of Australian agriculture, preparing ourselves to represent our country on the global stage.
“Our first overseas stop was Brazil for the Contemporary Scholars Conference where we explored Brazilian agriculture with 120 delegates from 15 countries over 2 weeks. (Photo of Shannen at the Embrapa research facility for cattle research.)
“I then travelled to Texas, Germany, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland as part of the Global Focus Group program with ten other scholars representing seven countries. The insights I’ve gained, the people I’ve met, the friendships made, the conversations I’ve had and the cultures I’ve experienced have been like no other – a true privilege to explore the complexities of global food systems firsthand.
“Looking ahead, the journey continues as I prepare to undertake my personal study later in the year. Focused on the future of the processed oat industry, my research will lead me to Canada, USA, UK and across Europe.”
Applications are now open for the 2025 Nuffield Scholarship and GIWA and POP will be funding a second oat-focused scholarship.
Research ideas include topics that benefit the Western Australian oats industry, such as innovative solutions and opportunities in production, processing, breeding, marketing, agronomy, food and beverage products or more. Out of scope is oaten hay and oat grain used as unprocessed animal feed.
To find out more and to apply, visit Nuffield Australia’s website.