2026 Sir John Crawford Memorial Address delivered in Adelaide

October 23, 2026

Dr Derek Byerlee AO, an internationally recognised agricultural economist, researcher, and academic presented the Sir John Crawford Memorial Address and was presented with the 2026 Crawford Fund Medal at a symposium in Adelaide last week.

In his address, Science Beyond Borders: Historical Foundations and an Uncertain Future, Dr Byerlee highlighted three key themes: Australia’s long-standing recognition of the value of international collaboration in improving agricultural production; the challenges facing CGIAR, the world’s largest publicly funded agrifood research network; and, the need for Australia to reinvigorate its global leadership role in international agricultural research.

“Australia with its high dependence on exotic crops and animals, its diverse agroclimatic conditions, and its relatively small population, has long recognised the importance of strong international collaboration in science to improving its agriculture,” said Dr Byerlee.

“Global payoffs to these investments have been huge, with Australian agriculture also reaping significant benefits. Despite this record, the long-term sustainability of CGIAR faces challenges in the 21^st century that have been further compounded in recent years by a succession of market shocks, changing geopolitical alliances, and a sharp drop in foreign assistance,” he said.

“It is imperative that Australia re-invigorate its global leadership role in international agricultural research,” he concluded.

The highlight of the afternoon was the presentation to Dr Byerlee of the 2026 Crawford Fund Medal by Dr Tony Fischer, a world-recognised cereal crop physiologist, 2023 Crawford Fund Medal recipient, and friend and colleague of Derek.

The accolade recognises Derek’s exceptional and sustained contribution to international agricultural research and global food security over more than five decades.

The symposium also featured a welcome from Professor Mike Steer, Executive Director, SARDI and insights into South Australia’s contribution to global food security with speakers including Dr Nick Austin, Chief Executive, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR); and Professor Kym Anderson, School of Economics, Adelaide University and Chair, Crawford Fund for Food Security SA Committee.

“The symposium was a wonderful event to highlight the enduring global career and impact of a South Australian son, and to showcase our state’s ongoing and important role in contributing to global food security,” said Professor Kym Anderson, School of Economics, Adelaide University and Chair, Crawford Fund for Food Security SA Committee.

Presentations from the event are linked below: 

• Importance of Partnerships in International R&D by Dr Tamara Jackson, School of Agriculture Food and Wine, Adelaide University 
• RAID/Next Generation Researchers’ Contributions by Dr Sophie Lountain, SA RAID Coordinator, School of Accounting and Finance, Adelaide University
• R&D’s Role in Supporting Australia’s Contribution to Global Food Security by Professor Kym Anderson AC, School of Economics, Adelaide University and Chair, Crawford Fund for Food Security SA Committee.
• The 2026 Sir John Crawford Memorial Address by Dr Derek Byerlee AO
• Opportunities to Contribute to Crawford Fund Activities by Dr Kathy Ophel-Keller, Coordinator, Crawford Fund for Food Security SA Committee