Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) is an Australian Government statutory authority that operates within the portfolio of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. ACIAR was established under the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research Act 1982 (Cth), to assist and encourage Australian agricultural scientists to use their skills to identify and find solutions to agricultural problems of developing countries.
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Commonwealth Government |
| Headquarters | Canberra, ACT, Australia |
| Employees | 55[1] |
| Minister responsible | |
| Agency executive |
|
| Parent Agency | Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade |
| Website | www |
ACIAR aims to enhance rural household incomes and broader economic growth by investing in international research partnerships that encourage agricultural development, sustainable use of natural resources and capacity-building of benefit to partner countries and Australia. ACIAR has a country or regional office in each of the following eight countries: China, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Lao PDR and Vietnam. ACIAR's headquarters are located in Canberra, Australia.
ACIAR forms part of the Australian Government's overseas aid program and works toward the aid program's objective of assisting developing countries to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development in line with the national interest.
Chief executive officer
Professor Andrew Campbell is the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).
During his tenure, Professor Campbell has led the development of a 10-Year Strategy that has transformed ACIAR, by increasing investment in the Indo-Pacific and focusing strongly on issues such as food security, gender equality, climate change, nutrition and health.
Professor Campbell has overseen the implementation of capacity building partnerships such as the Meryl Williams Fellowship, fostering opportunities for female agricultural scientists in developing countries. ACIAR has an alumni network of more than 800 scientists, many in leadership roles in partner countries.
During Professor Campbell's leadership his commitment to gender equality has seen the proportion of women in senior roles at ACIAR increase from 11 per cent in 2016 to 70 per cent in 2021. Professor Campbell has also strengthened Australia's multilateral influence in agricultural science, in which Australia is a world leader.
He also Chairs the Global Research Alliance for Agricultural Greenhouse Gases - a collaboration of 65 member countries - and represents Australia on the System Council of the CGIAR.[2]
Training program
Building capacity of agricultural research institutes in partner countries is one of ACIAR's key priorities. The main priority of the program is to enhance the research capabilities of institutions and individuals involved in ACIAR projects. Much of this is done in individual projects through on-the-job training, where either developing-country scientists visit Australia or Australian specialists visit partner countries to present a training program.
ACIAR offers two fellowship programs, administered under the Australia Awards:
- John Allwright Fellowships
- John Dillon Memorial Fellowships
References
- APS Statistical Bulletin 2015–2016 (Report). Australian Public Service Commission. September 2016.
- "Reappointment of ACIAR Chief Executive Officer". Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Retrieved 2 May 2022.