New research from the University of Southern Queensland is looking to better understand the drivers that attract and retain STEM professionals in the agriculture industry.
PhD researcher Kristen Lovric said her project would survey science, technology, engineering and mathematics professionals to gather data about the psycho-social motivators for professionals to apply their skills in agriculture.
"Knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, STEM, are currently in demand within the Australian agriculture sector, however, there is a lack of research concerned with the motivating factors that attract and retain working professionals to their job," she said.
"My objective is to use the evidence obtained to make practical workforce recommendations that may assist in retaining more knowledgeable workers within the various agricultural industries."
This new study builds upon prior research conducted by Ms Lovric which looked at career decision-making and behaviours in agriculture.
"There wasn't really any research out there that focused on agriculture," she said.
"Those that did were looking at students in agriculture and their persistence in their studies, not actually focusing on people who were working in the industry after they completed whatever studies they needed to for whichever role they decided to go into.
"And there's certainly not very much research looking at STEM professionals."
Ms Lovric said when she started developing her research proposal, she was shocked to learn how many people in the world were starving and how many children were affected by undernourishment and poor nutrition.
"I think in that way, it's vital that we have as much innovation in agriculture, particularly because Australia's agriculture helps to feed and clothe the world," she said.
"Part of that was looking at the scientists and technologists, people who were working with big data, so statisticians, and the engineers developing new, more innovative and sustainable machinery in terms of looking for a more sustainable future for agriculture."
Ms Lovric said her project, in a small way, would inform the workforce development of specific personnel who contribute, through innovation and sustainability, to trying to reach the United Nation's target of zero hunger.
She urged any science, technology, engineering or mathematics professionals in the agriculture industry to take part in her survey: surveys.usq.edu.au/index.php/426436?lang=en
