Sheep CRC CEO, Professor James Rowe, said the key is such professionals are highly likely to remain committed

to the industry, in which there is a looming skills shortage.

"The CRC Program specialises in training ‘industry ready graduates’ and the Sheep CRC plans to take this commitment to the next level," Professor Rowe said.

"Most students taking up higher degree research projects do so directly after completing their under-graduate courses. This progression suits many students inspired by research and an Honours degree.

"However, many of these research projects are based on academic interest – and not necessarily practical problem

solving for the sheep industry.

"In attracting working professionals, we are increasing the likelihood that these people will have a greater impact through combining their learnt high-level problem solving skills and using the innovations."

Professor Rowe said the Sheep CRC also recognises the need to design projects and financial packages that will be attractive to both prospective mature-age students and their employers.

"The option of a two year Masters Program is well suited for industry post graduate projects, and the Sheep CRC has an attractive scholarship program providing $28,000.00 per annum (tax free), in addition to the operating expenses required to conduct the research.

"Recent developments in internet broadband access mean that much of the information required for research is available from the workplace or home office, and it is no longer critical for students to be located at a university to access library facilities.

"With the wide scope of the Sheep CRC’s research in transforming wool, meat and the sheep that produce them, there is a broad range of opportunities for students to align their project with our research programs, and we can put industry-based students in contact with appropriate academic supervisors to assist in developing their projects."

Scholarship applications will be received at any time, with scholarships offered in mid year and end of year rounds.