This month, we are delighted to introduce Ni-Jung Lin who comes from Taiwan. She was part of emPLANT+ Intake 1 (2021-2023).

She studied at the Institut Polytechnique UniLaSalle in France during her first academic year and at the University of Milan in Italy during her second academic year.

🌱 Career Path & Current Role

I am now working at Queensland Maroochy Research Facility and presented my PhD project about “AI-guided prediction of genomic breeding values for yield and vigour in macadamia” in November 2025 Australia Brisbane TropAg conference.

In an era of rapid technological disruption, I view continuous self directed learning and professional resilience as fundamental to a research career. My adaptability was tested during the entire emPLANT+ journey in Europe, being able to transit between multiple cultures and countries. These characteristics allowed me to start a position at the international research institute, World Vegetable Center, in Taiwan after graduation. During my experience at World Vegetable Center, I identified and leveraged international cooperation, specifically through a collaborative initiative with the ARC Training Centre in Predictive Breeding in Australia. This industry aligned PhD training centre is renowned for integrating innovative methodologies into applied agricultural research, such as complex projects within institutional frameworks, long term scientific innovation, and commercial viability. Thanks to all these experiences, my commitment to market driven research ensures that my future projects are not only scientifically rigorous but also strategically aligned with industry needs and collaborative opportunities. These interactions not only reminded me the importance of always considering market needs and business models but also provided my future career development and potential project collaborations.

🔗 The Strength of emPLANT+ Across Academia and Industry

The emPLANT+ curriculum, emphasising multicultural immersion between academia and industry, perfectly aligns with the global demand for researchers who need to operate across borders and disciplines. The training exceeded fundamental plant breeding knowledge, integrating essential competencies in cross functional communication and strategic cooperation. Rather than treating emPLANT+ as my terminal degree, I see the framework as the foundational catalyst for my career. emPLANT+ has equipped me with the professional background and international perspective to emerge as a leader in the global agricultural sector, capable of translating complex research into scalable, real-world solutions.

🌍 A Message to My Younger emPLANT+ Self

I approach my career with a philosophy of professional resilience and ethical collaboration, operating on the principle that every challenge offers a point of view for growth. While conditions are challenging, navigating a deeper appreciation for cross border cooperation. I try my best to leverage those experiences to maintain a high degree of adaptability and a collaborative mindset, ensuring that I remain grateful and focus on the impact of collective scientific efforts.

✨ Fun Fact

Coming from Taiwan, a place rich in tea culture and the birthplace of bubble tea, daily tea consumption was a cultural staple for me. Before my master’s studies in Europe, I dedicated two years to formal tea studies at National Taiwan University (NTU) during my bachelor’s training, fostering a deep seated interest in sensory analysis and plant based products. However, my subsequent time in France and Italy expanded my interest in coffee and wine.

Ni-Jung Lin

📍 From Taiwan 🇹🇼 → Australia 🇦🇺

🎓 Intake 1 – emPLANT+ Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree in Plant Breeding