Please join our symposium on Food Security in a Challenging World, featuring the 2026 Sir John Crawford Memorial Address by the 2026 Crawford Fund Medallist, Derek Byerlee AO.
đź“… Date: Tuesday, 13th October 2026
đź•“ Time: Seminar from 2-4pm, followed by light refreshments until 5pm.
📍 Location: Conference Room, SARDI’s Plant Research Centre, Waite Campus, Glen Osmond, South Australia
The highlight of the afternoon will be the presentation to Dr Byerlee of the 2026 Crawford Fund Medal by Shaun Coffey, Chief Executive, Crawford Fund for Food Security, and the 2026 Sir John Crawford Memorial Address by Derek. His address is titled, Science Beyond Borders: Historical Foundations and an Uncertain Future. It will be followed by a Q&A facilitated by Dr Andrew Barr, SA cereal farmer and former Chair of CIMMYT’s Board.
The symposium’s full program is as follows:
2.00pm – Welcome and Opening by Professor Mehdi Doroudi, Chief Executive, PIRSA
2:05pm – Role of ACIAR/Crawford Fund in Food Security by Dr Nick Austin, Chief Executive, ACIAR
2:20pm – Importance of Partnerships in International R&D by Dr Tamara Jackson, School of Agriculture Food and Wine, Adelaide University
2:35pm – RAID/Next Generation Researchers’ Contributions by Dr Sophie Lountain, SA RAID Coordinator, School of Accounting and Finance, Adelaide University
2:45pm – R&D’s Role in Supporting Australia’s Contribution to Global Food Security by Professor Kym Anderson, School of Economics, Adelaide University and Chair, Crawford Fund for Food Security SA Committee.
3:00pm – The 2026 Sir John Crawford Memorial Address by Dr Derek Byerlee AO
3.55pm – Opportunities to Contribute to Crawford Fund Activities by Dr Kathy Ophel-Keller, Coordinator, Crawford Fund for Food Security SA Committee
4.00pm – Close followed by networking and light refreshments
Registration is free. Please register here by COB Monday 05 October 2026.
About 2026 Crawford Fund Medallist – Dr Derek Byerlee AO
The Crawford Fund for Food Security awarded the 2026 Crawford Fund Medal to Dr Byerlee in recognition of his exceptional and sustained contribution to international agricultural research and global food security over more than five decades.
He began his education at a one-room school near Orroroo in South Australia, did his undergraduate studies in agronomy at the University of Adelaide and a PhD in agricultural and natural resources economics at Oregon State University. From his early work on farming systems and rural livelihoods in Africa to his global leadership roles at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) and the World Bank, Dr Byerlee has consistently advanced the integration of science, economics, and policy to improve the effectiveness and impact of agricultural research for development.
He has been a pioneer in multidisciplinary and participatory research approaches, helping to bring scientists closer to farmers and shaping research priorities that reflect real-world production systems. Through his leadership in international institutions, Dr Byerlee has influenced the design of agricultural research systems, investment strategies, and policy frameworks across all three developing country regions.
Beyond his institutional roles, Dr Byerlee has continued to shape global discourse through his research, publications, and advisory work, including leadership in CGIAR science and impact assessment, as well as contributions to global food policy and research governance.
His distinguished service has been recognised with honours including being appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia and receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Adelaide. Read more here.