The Primary Industry Centre for Science Education (PICSE) is a proven national collaboration between universities, regional primary industries, national R&D Corporations, national agribusiness, regional research institutes, local community organisations, schools and State Government Departments. PICSE is designed to attract an increased supply of high-quality, young people into science-based primary industries and their supporting businesses through engagement with students during school years and early university. Through its program, PICSE attracts students into tertiary science and increases the number of skilled professionals in science-based primary industries.

The Cotton Industry Young Professionals project was established to create strong interaction with cotton industry personnel and stimulate student interest in studying science at university with a view to a career pathway into the Cotton Industry. The program was reinforced through the promotion of the importance of science, science education pathways, science based-careers, science-based industries and research to students and teachers. More specific Cotton Industry Young Professionals Program objectives included:

• Encouraging students to continue with school science and on to university science,

• Informing students and teachers about the diversity of exciting and rewarding science career

futures that are available in the cotton industry,

• Supporting science teachers with the provision of class activities, teaching resources and

targeted Professional Development particularly using cotton case studies,

• Linking with other cotton industry initiatives including current tertiary course offerings.

The success of the Cotton Industry Young Professionals Program was achieved through the collaborative partnership between the Cotton RDC, the Institute for Agriculture and the Environment (University of Southern Queensland), CSIRO and the Australian Cotton Research Institute. The project built on the resources previously developed by PICSE with involvement by regional universities, cotton industry agribusinesses and other employers.