The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) has today officially unveiled its new Executive Team which will lead the organisation to deliver on ACIAR's mandate of contributing to food and nutrition security and sustainable management of natural resources in our partner countries.
Announced today by ACIAR Chief Executive Officer Professor Wendy Umberger, the new Executive Team will also ensure ACIAR strongly contributes to Australia's International Development Policy.
'ACIAR is committed to delivering a high quality, effective agricultural research-for-development program that is responsive to partner needs, delivers impact and is informed by robust monitoring, evaluation and learning,' said Professor Umberger.
'Climate change is amplifying food security challenges around the world. Our organisation is continuously evolving to be best placed to invest in research that builds resilience in rural communities and empowers our research partners to lead adaptation and mitigation efforts.
'I am excited for our new Executive Team to unite ACIAR with a clear strategic direction to strengthen partnerships, work more closely with partner countries and have a strong emphasis on climate action in new research investments.'
Joining Professor Umberger on the ACIAR Executive Team are Dr James Quilty, General Manager, Research; Ms Laura Timmins, General Manager, Partnerships; and Mr Paul Morgan, General Manager, Corporate.
Dr James Quilty emphasised the importance of responding to the priorities of our partner countries, building innovative research collaborations, engaging strategically with the public and private sectors, and leveraging Australian research expertise to tackle existing and emerging challenges.
'ACIAR is a global leader in agricultural research-for-development with an excellent reputation. I am looking forward to working with the team to focus on leveraging this expertise with locally led solutions, ensuring an emphasis on climate mitigation and adaptation,' said Dr Quilty.
Ms Laura Timmins said fostering strong and respectful partnerships are key to being more effective and responsive to the priorities of our region.
'Partnerships are the cornerstone of the ACIAR model. I am pleased to be joining the ACIAR Executive Team and leading the Partnerships Branch where we will have an even greater focus on further developing country and regional partnership plans. Ongoing local consultation will translate our shared priorities into action with a focus on where ACIAR can add the most value and achieve most impact,' said Ms Timmins.
Mr Paul Morgan commented that the breadth of experience in the new Executive Team provided a complementary mix of research, partnership and corporate skills to deliver outcomes across a geographically diverse and strategically challenging Indo-Pacific region.
'Our ability to consistently deliver strategic outcomes for Government requires strong corporate governance and enabling support. This builds public trust in what we do and ensures our Research and Partnership branches can efficiently leverage the corporate support needed to deliver Australia's International Development Program with integrity, fairness and transparency,' said Mr Morgan.
The Executive Team, led by the CEO, will ensure ACIAR delivers on its core mandate of brokering, funding, and managing partnerships and investments that catalyse more productive, sustainable and resilient agricultural and food systems, improved food and nutrition security, and more sustainable management of natural resources for the benefit of our partner countries and Australia.
The change reflects the priorities set out in the Australian Government's International Development Policy, released by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in August 2023.
Learn more about the ACIAR Executive Team via the ACIAR website.
