“The conference has broadened my knowledge and deepened my commitment to pursuing impactful, collaborative research” – Scholar Reflections from Queensland
October 1, 2024
The Crawford Fund’s Annual Conference was recently held in Parliament House, Canberra. As well as bringing together the world’s leading experts in agricultural science, research, policy, development and industry to address the conference topic, the Crawford Fund is committed to encouraging the next generation in international agriculture for development to the event via scholarships awarded through our State and Territory committees and scholar supporters.
Leandra Fernandes, Trevor Volp, Dasuni Dayananda, Megan Moran and Duc Bui were 2024 scholars from Queensland. They are pictured here with QLD Committee members including, Chair Kaye Basford and Coordinator Bob Lawn. Inset scholar Shanice Van Haeften.
Our conference scholarship program started in 2010 in the hope that by experiencing the Crawford Fund conference and network, our special program of activities around the conference and being mentored by inspirational experienced researchers, young researchers would be inspired and energised to be more involved. The results have been fantastic, with a great mix of youth and experience at our flagship event each August and a growing and enthusiastic conference scholar alumni approaching 450.
Our competitive Conference Scholarships are offered to young people with a genuine interest in international agricultural research and development to attend the conference and a special set of activities that we have developed since the program commenced in 2010.
Our other activities to encourage university students and early career researcher include highlighting opportunities in volunteering for projects overseas through the Australian Volunteers Program; our work with Researchers in Agriculture for International Development (RAID), and our special international student awards to enable students to be involved in overseas projects as part of their university study.
One of the requirements of the scholarship is that each scholar provides us with a reflection on their experience. We will be providing these reflections over the coming weeks, grouped by State.
Once again, we would like to thank our wonderful mentors, mentioned alongside the scholar they supported, who volunteer their time and offer valuable guidance, support and insights to the scholars throughout the conference.
Five scholars supported by our Queensland Committee, one scholar sponsored by AARES attended the 2024 Crawford Fund conference from the Sunshine State. Some highlights of their experiences have been captured below:
Duc Bui, University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC)
“The connections made during the conference are already influencing my research approach and opening doors for future collaborations.”
Leandra Fernandes, Griffith University
“I didn’t feel like there was just one speaker who influenced me; nearly all of them had something valuable to share which I found very inspiring.”
Megan Moran, James Cook University
“As I continue forward in my career, I will always remember the impact this conference had as well as the important lessons that should be carried forward.”
Shanice Van Haeften, The University Of Queensland
“The Crawford Fund annual conference has not only broadened my knowledge but also deepened my commitment to pursuing impactful, collaborative research in agriculture for development.”
Trevor Volp, The University of Queensland
“Hearing such a diverse range of perspectives and advice really put things into perspective for me and helped me reflect on my own career ambitions.”
Dasuni Dayananda, Griffith University
“Being part of the scholar program allowed me to connect with other young professionals who, like me, are passionate about making a difference in the field of agricultural development. These connections have already proven invaluable, and we have built a new network of friends.”
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Read on for the full reflections of each Queensland committee supported scholar:
Duc Bui, University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC)
Mentor: Daniel Walker
Receiving the scholarship to visit Timor-Leste and subsequently attending the Crawford Conference was a transformative experience that deeply enhanced my academic and professional trajectory. My visit to Timor-Leste provided crucial insights into the local context, which shaped my research on food and nutrition security. The conference offered a valuable opportunity to build on these insights and engage with a broader network of experts and peers.
During my time in Timor-Leste, I engaged directly with local communities and stakeholders, gaining firsthand experience of the region’s unique challenges and opportunities. This groundwork was essential for understanding the practical aspects of food and nutrition security and informed my approach to the conference.
The Crawford Conference, themed “Food and Nutrition Security: Transformative Partnerships, Local Leadership, and Co-Design,” was particularly relevant to my work. The keynote sessions highlighted the importance of local involvement in creating sustainable solutions, aligning perfectly with my experiences in Timor-Leste. These insights reinforced the value of co-design and local leadership in addressing food security issues and provided new perspectives that I plan to integrate into my ongoing research.
One of the highlights of the conference was the opportunity to discuss my work with sandalwood species with my mentor, Daniel Walker. Our conversation not only provided valuable feedback but also opened up potential avenues for future collaboration. I expressed my interest in working on an ACIAR project, which aligns with my research goals and could significantly impact my work on sandalwood species. This discussion was pivotal in shaping my future research directions and exploring collaborative opportunities.
Meeting other influential figures, was another key aspect of the conference. Engaging with these experts allowed me to share my findings and receive constructive feedback, further enriching my understanding of the field. The connections made during the conference are already influencing my research approach and opening doors for future collaborations.
The conference’s focus on interdisciplinary collaboration was particularly inspiring. Presentations highlighted the need for integrating insights from various disciplines—such as agriculture, health, and social sciences—to address food security comprehensively. This approach has encouraged me to consider how interdisciplinary strategies can enhance the impact of my research on sandalwood species and related projects in Timor-Leste.
The scholars’ days provided practical guidance and support tailored to emerging researchers. The workshops on research methodologies, publication strategies, and grant writing were especially beneficial, offering practical tools and strategies that I can apply to my work and future projects.
In summary, the combination of my fieldwork in Timor-Leste and participation in the Crawford Conference has been profoundly beneficial. The insights gained and connections made have significantly enriched my research and professional development. The conference has reinforced the importance of local engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration, shaped my future research directions and paved the way for potential collaborations, including the ACIAR project. This reflection captures the essence of how these experiences have shaped my approach to addressing complex food and nutrition security challenges.
Leandra Fernandes, Griffith University
Mentor: Bob Clements
Attending the 2024 Crawford Fund Conference as a scholar was a transformative experience for me, especially when compared to my previous attendance in 2021 (not as a scholar). This year’s theme, “Food and Nutrition Security: Transformative Partnerships, Local Leadership, and Co-Design,” truly resonated with me, particularly the emphasis on partnerships. During the two-and-a-half-day event, I had the opportunity to participate in several activities surrounding the conference and also had the privilege of listening to inspiring speakers from Australia and overseas, who shared their experiences, journey and work in international agriculture.
The interactions I had with the speakers and my mentor during the networking sessions of the conference were invaluable, offering insights on the importance of building long-lasting, meaningful relationships—a sentiment beautifully captured by Sarah Maclean’s quote: “The best partnerships aren’t dependent on a mere common goal but on a shared path of equality, desire, and no small amount of passion.” This idea of shared paths is something I’ve experienced throughout my PhD, meeting people from diverse backgrounds and forming partnerships that have enriched my research and outlook.
The conference sessions further expanded on this perspective, particularly through the insights shared by Dr Ismahane Eloufi, who stressed the need to listen and learn from local communities, building upon their knowledge and Madonna Thompsons’ discussion on leveraging Indigenous knowledge for sustainable and nutritious food systems. Dr. Seeseei Molimau-Samasoni’s emphasis on working with local champions and investing in the people of the Pacific, alongside fostering cultural and social awareness, was also particularly impactful. Additionally, Prof Hampus Eriksson and Dr Prof Uday Nidumolu’s innovative approaches to communicating research findings to farmers showed how enhanced engagement can be achieved, which was both inspiring and practical. Prof Wendy Umberger’s focus on gender inclusivity and equity strengthened the need to ensure that our work benefits everyone, regardless of gender.
This is why I didn’t feel like there was just one speaker who influenced me; nearly all of them had something valuable to share which I found very inspiring. Overall, this conference highlighted the connections between different aspects—local leadership, cultural awareness, and sustainable practices—emphasising the holistic approach needed in international agriculture.
Beyond the content of the conference, the activities organised by the Crawford Fund and RAID committee offered an incredible opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and experts from around the world. I learned the importance of knocking on every door and looking for opportunities in every nook and corner and, just as crucially, enjoying the journey while making a difference. Being paired with a mentor who listened and helped me realise what I want to do post-Ph.D. and who continues to advise me even after the conference is something I will always be grateful for. Stepping out of my comfort zone is often challenging for me, but conferences like the Crawford Fund help me do just that, and I find myself growing more confident with each opportunity. I believe I have built some long-lasting relationships and made connections with scholars, volunteers, speakers and mentors and I aim to maintain these relationships and those that I will continue to make as I pursue a career in international agricultural development.
Lastly, I would like to thank Bob Lawn, my mentor Bob Clements, the Crawford Fund QLD Committee, Crawford Fund, RAID network and all the funding bodies for this amazing opportunity that brings together passionate young and early career researchers from all walks of life to network and build lasting relationships.
Megan Moran, James Cook University
Mentor: Brendan Rodoni
I am grateful to have attended the 2024 Crawford Fund Annual Conference titled “Food and Nutrition Security: Transformative Partnerships, Local Leadership, and Co-Design”. Drawing on this theme, discussions emphasised the degree to which partnerships, authentic collaborations, and improved project governance can have on the success of developmental research projects and capacity building.
On the night before the conference, I joined the Sir John Crawford Memorial Address and Networking Dinner. This dinner was a special occasion to meet attendees and network before the official conference. The memorial address was given by Dr Line Gordon, Director, Stockholm Resilience Centre, and Professor in Sustainable Food Systems at Stockholm University. In her talk, she highlighted the role of food system transformation in regard to public and planetary health. I found her ambitions to encourage the consumption of locally sourced foods very inspiring.
The conference featured a broad range of experts within the field of food nutrition and security. The morning of the conference focused heavily on the construction of high-quality research partnerships. I especially enjoyed hearing about the partnership between PNG and Australia through the Treaty Village Fruit Fly Trapping Program. Their case study clearly represented how a well-defined partnership can significantly increase the potential for success. They also reinforced a common theme that was present throughout the conference: Quality partnerships should be treated as a two-way street. The impact and integration of meaningful work is only possible through the collaboration and knowledge sharing between local communities and the research partner.
The following sessions further emphasised the same underlying theme. In the next session, I really enjoyed hearing about the work from Ms Madonna Thomson titled “Learnings from Australian Indigenous Projects”. She highlighted the nutritional value of native foods as well as their role in the connection to land and cultural identity. Her talk emphasised the importance of incorporating Indigenous knowledge and self-determination into the creation of sustainable food systems, and demonstrated how we could also incorporate these ideals into less developed neighbouring countries.
The conference ended with a lively discussion between Hon John Anderson AC, FTSE, and several of the speakers, nicely summarising common themes brought up throughout the conference. Overall, I found the conference presentations and sessions extremely informative and inspiring. This conference was an invaluable opportunity to engage with my peers as well as leaders in the field.
I would like to genuinely thank my mentor and all the other mentors that took the time to engage with the conference scholars. I believe that the mentorship program really helped bridge the gap between different generations and promoted authentic and productive conversations towards achieving food and nutrition security in the future.
Finally, I would like to thank the Crawford Fund for the opportunity to attend the Crawford Fund Conference and scholars’ program, as well as the RAID volunteers for their help with scholar events. As I continue forward in my career, I will always remember the impact this conference had as well as the important lessons that should be carried forward.
Shanice Van Haeften, The University Of Queensland
Mentor: Alison Bentley
As a student scholar at this year’s Crawford Fund annual conference, I found myself immersed in a transformative experience that has profoundly impacted my perspective on agricultural research and development. The conference’s focus on partnerships, consultation, and collaboration for co-designing and delivering high-quality agricultural research projects resonated deeply with me and challenged me to reflect on my role as a researcher.
The overarching theme that stood out to me was the critical importance of building equal and strong relationships with in-country partners to co-design projects. This approach, as emphasised throughout the conference, enables more effective and impactful research activities that can make a real difference in food and nutrition security. It was a powerful reminder that successful projects are not just about technical innovations but about understanding and working within specific political, social, and institutional contexts. This conference prompted me to reflect deeply on my privilege as a white researcher based in Australia. It highlighted the necessity of truly listening to our partners and recognising the value of local knowledge and systems. I now see more clearly how crucial it is to move beyond the simplistic notion of “training” overseas researchers or farmers to implement Australian methods, and instead foster genuine two-way learning and collaboration.
One of the most impactful aspects of the conference was listening to female leaders in the field, including Dr Ismahane Elouafi, Dr Line Gordon, Karen Mapusua, and Professor Wendy Umberger. Their presentations on achieving transformational outcomes and their reflections on being women in this space were both inspiring and enlightening. Their experiences underscored the importance of diverse perspectives in addressing global agricultural challenges and reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in this field.
The scholar program significantly enhanced my conference experience. Having a mentor was a major highlight, providing me with invaluable guidance and insights. My mentor’s wealth of knowledge and experience not only helped me navigate the conference more effectively but also enabled me to make meaningful connections with other researchers in the field. This mentorship is something I plan to continue benefiting from in the future.
Additionally, the program facilitated networking opportunities with other early-career scientists. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals who share my passion for agricultural research and development was incredibly inspiring and motivating. These connections have expanded my professional network and provided a supportive community as I progress in my career.
This conference has been a turning point in my understanding of agricultural research for development. It has reinforced the importance of co-design, genuine partnerships, and the need to recognise and work within local social and economic systems. Moving forward, I am committed to:
- Prioritising relationship-building with in-country partners in my research activities.
- Actively listening to and valuing the perspectives of local stakeholders.
- Continuously reflecting on my role and privilege as a researcher from Australia.
- Seeking out opportunities for two-way learning in international collaborations.
- Maintaining and expanding the network I’ve built through this conference.
Overall, the Crawford Fund annual conference has not only broadened my knowledge but also deepened my commitment to pursuing impactful, collaborative research in agriculture for development. I am grateful for this experience and excited to apply these insights in my future work, contributing to more effective and equitable agricultural research and development projects.
Trevor Volp, The University of Queensland
Mentor: Phil Brown
This was my first time attending the Crawford Fund conference and it was an enjoyable and enlightening experience. Reflecting on the conference and the two days of ‘scholar activities’ pre- and post-conference, I was astonished how much information was covered and how many interesting people I met.
Interacting with such a diverse array of people was probably my conference highlight. Within the Crawford Scholar cohort there were undergraduates, postgraduates, and post-doctorates from a wide range of backgrounds. Hearing many of these people’s stories, what they are working on, and their career ambitions was incredibly interesting and motivating. At the conference itself there was an even more diverse audience to interact with: mid- and late-career researchers currently running successful research programs or institutes, and many very active retired agricultural researchers. Hearing such a diverse range of perspectives and advice really put things into perspective for me and helped me reflect on my own career ambitions.
This year’s conference topic was ‘Food and Nutrition Security: Transformative Partnerships, Local Leadership and Co-Design’. Many speakers discussed the importance of research partnerships: how to develop, maintain, and strengthen them. A key message that came through from many speakers was how these relationships underpin everything we are trying to do in international research.
Prof Line Gordon (Stockholm Resilience Centre) provided the Sir John Crawford Memorial Address. I appreciated her broad perspective on the large-scale problems we face, along with the interconnectedness of human health, agri-food systems, and environmental systems. I found the example of the EAT Lancet diet particularly interesting – a diet designed to minimise our environmental impact and provide health benefits, but with apparently limited consumer acceptability. This made me wonder if behavioural science is perhaps a major tool in solving our large global problems.
Dr Ismahane Elouafi (CGIAR) made an interesting point during her presentation that modern agriculture needs much more work to adapt to climate change than smallholder systems, which have been designed to be much more resilient. The comment made me reflect on whether there is an efficiency/resilience trade off in agricultural systems, and whether in Western Agriculture we have spent so long heading towards maximising efficiency, there now needs to be a much greater emphasis on developing resilience.
The final talk I want to mention was Prof. Hampus Eriksson’s (WorldFish), where he discussed successful collaborative research conducted at WorldFish. One key point that resonated with me, and many others, was that their research centre is “not capability limited, but resource limited”. It appears over the last several decades that funding agencies, research institutes, and governments have done a tremendous job developing capability in agricultural research. We are now well equipped to conduct research to solve the large-scale problems that we are currently facing. But do we have the resources to do it?
I would like to acknowledge the Crawford Fund for funding my participation in the conference and scholar activities, and I’d also like to thank my mentor Phil Brown for the useful advice and productive discussions.
Read on for the full reflection of our AARES sponsored scholar:
AARES
Dasuni Dayananda, Griffith University
Mentor: Neil Byron
Attending the Crawford Fund’s 2024 Annual Conference in Canberra was an incredibly enriching experience, both personally and professionally. Held from 12-14 August, the conference centered around the theme “Food and Nutrition Security: Transformative Partnerships, Local Leadership, and Co-Design,” which falls under my research interests in agricultural economics and food security. I am very grateful to AARES for supporting me with a scholarship to attend the Crawford Fund Conference 2024 in Canberra.
The conference brought together experts, policymakers, and practitioners from around the world, all focused on addressing the pressing challenges of food and nutrition security. The sessions were not just presentations but lively exchanges of ideas involving both speakers and participants. The conference covered a wide range of topics, but I was particularly attracted to discussions on local leadership and community engagement in developing effective and sustainable solutions. These conversations reinforced the idea that food security is best achieved not only through top-down initiatives but also through meaningful collaboration with those on the ground who understand the local context.
One of the highlights for me was the opportunity to engage with leading figures in the field through the scholar program. Designed specifically for young researchers and early-career professionals, the program included a series of tailored activities that enhanced my conference experience. These activities included pre-and post-conference workshops, where we delved into the complexities of global food systems, and mentoring sessions with seasoned professionals who generously shared their insights and advice. During this period, I met my mentor, Dr. Neil Byron, who has a strong background in international agricultural development. Dr. Byron provided me with extremely useful advice for both my professional and personal development. Being part of the scholar program also allowed me to connect with other young professionals who, like me, are passionate about making a difference in the field of agricultural development. These connections have already proven invaluable, and we have built a new network of friends. I hope to continue sharing ideas, resources, and support with them in the future. The program’s emphasis on networking was evident throughout the event, with numerous opportunities to interact with experts and peers alike.
The experience has left a lasting impact on me, both in terms of the knowledge I gained and the relationships I built. It has broadened my understanding of the multifaceted challenges of food security and provided me with new perspectives on how to approach these issues in my research. Overall, attending the Crawford Fund Annual Conference as a scholar was a transformative experience. It provided me with the opportunity to learn from the best in the field, contribute my own ideas, and engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of food and nutrition security. The insights and connections I gained during the conference will undoubtedly influence my work for years to come.
Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the conference organising committee, the scholar program organizing committee, my mentors, and AARES members. Your support and dedication made it possible for me to participate in this exceptional event and contributed to an experience I will always cherish.
