The Fifth World Cotton Research Conference(WCRC) is held annually and in 2012 dealt with a wide range of issues concerning the cotton industry, from seed production, plant growing and the farm to fibre quality,

cotton processing and the textile industry. The opening sessions dealt with

new directions in cotton production research, blending biotechnology, research, blending biotechnology, breeding, GM crops (in particular in India),

the textile chain and chemical processing of cotton. The two closing sessions

dealt with an international cotton genome initiative for cotton improvement

and with cotton mechanisation.

Nine leading Australian Scientists travelled to the 5th WCRC in Mumbai, India to present their research work, chair sessions or particpate in the conference as delegates.

these scientists included:

Dr Ivan Kennedy, Dr Daniel Tan of the University of Sydney, Rene van der Sluijs from CSIRO Material Science and Engineering, Dr Lily Pereg of the University of New England, Steven Yeates, Nicola Cottee from CSIRO Plant Industry, Tom Walsh CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences, Francois Visser from the University of Queensland and Katie Broughton, Post docturate Student of the University of Sydney and CSIRO Plant Industry. For detail, see individual Final Reports.