Connecting students with biosecurity

Anima Co., as part of the Northern Australia Biosecurity Strategy, has been partnering with Masters students from Charles Darwin University to explore new ways of strengthening biosecurity through data and technology. This collaboration focuses on creating novel tools, technologies, and analytical approaches that can support real-world biosecurity challenges across northern Australia.

The program brings together students with expertise in data analytics, computer software engineering, and related disciplines, giving them the opportunity to apply their skills to issues such as early detection, surveillance, preparedness, and risk analysis. At the same time, it introduces biosecurity as a rewarding and impactful career path, which is an important step in addressing long-standing attraction and retention challenges across the north.

By connecting students directly with industry and government projects, we’re helping to ensure current capability needs are met while also opening up new opportunities for local people to build careers in biosecurity.

The program began in early 2026, and we are already seeing positive results. We were recently advised that one of the participating students has been offered a position with the Biosecurity and Animal Welfare team at the Northern Territory Government—a strong indication that this pathway is working as intended!

We look forward to continuing this partnership and supporting the next generation of data-driven biosecurity professionals in northern Australia.