The University of Sydney’s research into sustainable agriculture has been ‘given a huge boost’ following the announcement of a major bequest to the university.

 

The unexpected $8.6 million comes from the estate of the late Nancy Roma Paech.

"This is an extremely generous and far-sighted gift which will have a transformational impact on the research to be conducted at our new Centre for Carbon, Water and Food," said Professor Mark Adams, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.

 

Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, Professor Stephen Garton said this gift would bring long-term positive benefits for the University.

 

"Income from the bequest will fund the establishment of a new academic chair in Range Science which will focus on the sustainability of inland Australian landscapes used for animal production. As well there will be a number of visiting professorships, PhD scholarships and master's scholarships all named after Nancy Roma Paech," Professor Garton said.

 

The research and associated activities supported by the Paech Bequest will be conducted through the Centre for Carbon, Water and Food of the Faculty of Agriculture, at the Camden Campus of the University of Sydney. A new facility to house this interdisciplinary centre will be completed in 2012.