Botanical interns graduate in Canberra

The Program is run annually by the Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research – a joint venture between CSIRO Plant Industry and the Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG).

More than 250 students have completed the Program since it started in 1993.

“Students take an active part in research projects and herbarium collection management, working closely with botanical researchers and conservation managers,” says Internship Coordinator, CSIRO’s Bronwyn Collins.

“They also gain other career skills such as writing grant proposals, public speaking and job applications.

“The program aims to prepare students for a career in a botany-related field, focusing strongly on practical experience,” Ms Collins says.  “They especially enjoy the field trip to Jervis Bay where they can really demonstrate what they’ve learnt during the Program.”

Intern Alicia Brown from Monash University says: “It was an excellent opportunity and I gained a lot of experience in different areas working in the field in a way that I never have gained in a university course.

“It has been good to see what scientists actually do in this field,” Ms Brown says.

The students will present their projects tomorrow from 9.15 am at the ANBG Theatrette (off Clunies Ross St, Black Mountain, Canberra) and will celebrate their graduation at the same venue on 19 February with a special ceremony starting at 11.30 am followed by a barbecue at the Australian National Herbarium.