Today I announce the appointment of Dr Nick Austin as President of Australia’s Policy Advisory Council for International Agricultural Research.
The Council provides expert advice and insights into the development priorities and food security needs of our regional partners. It considers how Australia’s expertise in agricultural research can contribute to these priorities, including through research collaborations with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).
Dr Austin has extensive experience in international agricultural development and a long association with ACIAR, having served as Chief Executive Officer from 2009 to 2016.
He has held senior roles in international bodies, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, representing Australia on the CGIAR Fund Council for 7 years, and with the board of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).
The Council is made up of 11 expert members from across the Indo-Pacific region and Africa. Dr Austin’s skills and networks across Australia, North America, Europe and the Indo-Pacific in both industry and government will help forge stronger partnerships and innovative solutions in agricultural research.
I thank outgoing President Professor Wendy Umberger for her service to the Council and for her ongoing commitment to sustainable agricultural development as the ACIAR Chief Executive Officer.