“Overall, the conference was a pivotal moment in my professional journey, equipping me with new perspectives, skills, and a strengthened commitment” – Scholar Reflections from SA
September 17, 2024
The Crawford Fund’s Annual Conference was held last month 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.
Mackenzie Coopman, Bikram Nepali, Simon Michelmore and Hayley Grigg (left to right) were our 2024 scholars from South Australia. They are pictured here with SA Committee member John Radcliffe, Roger Wilkes, our SA Committee Coordinator and Kym Anderson, our SA Committee Chair.
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.
Four scholars supported by our SA Committee attended the 2024 Crawford Fund conference. Highlights of their experiences have been captured below:
Mackenzie Coopman, The University of Adelaide
“As I begin my career in research, I believe that what I have learnt from the conference will serve me well. …I’m excited to share these lessons with my peers and look forward to continuing my journey in agricultural research for development.”
Hayley Grigg, University Of Adelaide and Van Schaik’s Biogro
“One key point that carried through the conference, and one that resonated with me was the importance of developing a relationship with the people you work with. Throughout the student activities and during the conference, many speakers talked out the importance of developing this relationship.”
Simon Michelmore, South Australian Research and Development Institute
“For me, the multidisciplinary nature of this community was a refreshing change from the highly specialised nature of many academic conferences. It was eye-opening to see how the conference themes of partnership and co-design tie together this diverse range of disciplines, and to see the parallels between effective R&D strategies across different cultures and communities.”
Bikram Nepali, University of Adelaide
“Overall, the conference was a pivotal moment in my professional journey, equipping me with new perspectives, skills, and a strengthened commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture. I am eager to apply the insights gained to develop impactful strategies that support food security and sustainability in my home region and beyond.”
Read on for the full reflections of each SA scholar:
Mackenzie Coopman, The University of Adelaide
Mentor: Roger Wickes
Attending the 2024 Crawford Fund Annual Conference has been an enriching experience. The purpose of agriculture seems simple: it aims to feed people. However, despite significant efforts, global agricultural production systems have fallen short of achieving universal food security. While I have yet to complete my undergraduate degree, I have always had some idea of what I wanted to do afterwards. In reflecting on which path to take at the end of this year, I have realised that if nothing else, I want to be able to help others. Attending the Crawford Fund Conference and scholars’ event has highlighted that I can achieve this goal in a dynamic and exciting career by contributing to the development of sustainable food production systems through research.
This three-day conference and associated events offered many networking and learning opportunities. As the new representative for the South Australian branch of Researchers in Agriculture for International Development (RAID), I found it invaluable to learn more about the RAID organisation and connect with members of the central committee. The introduction sessions, which delved into RAID’s purpose, along with the upbeat quiz night, captured the energetic enthusiasm of the group. I hope to reflect this passion for agricultural research in future SA based events.
Meeting other scholars from across the country was an eye-opening experience. Though few undergraduates attended the events, I was happy to connect with those pursuing postgraduate studies. It was motivating to see where I could be in a few short years. Many conversations I had with fellow students were thought-provoking. For example, while I may not have a personal passion for bugs, I was captivated by discussions with emerging entomologists. It was particularly interesting to learn that, while Australia’s modern pest control practices can benefit developing countries, the ingenuity of pest control methods in these countries can offer insightful lessons to Australian farmers.
Engaging with professionals during the networking events and at the conference provided a clear picture of where a career in agricultural research for development could lead. Many attendees were approachable and open to chat about their day-to-day experiences which offered a look at what working in this field might be like. The main conference presentations were delivered by accomplished speakers who explored engaging topics within agricultural development. Some presenters shared compelling case studies, demonstrating how they had applied the conference’s theme – Transformative Partnerships, Local Leadership, and Co-Design – in their work. I was particularly impressed by the nuanced and considered approach of the keynote speakers as they discussed the sector’s challenges.
As I begin my career in research, I believe that what I have learnt from the conference will serve me well. I have gained a deeper understanding of the importance of collaborative partnerships and cultural awareness as well as acknowledging the value of local knowledge and capacity. I’m excited to share these lessons with my peers and look forward to continuing my journey in agricultural research for development.
Hayley Grigg, University Of Adelaide And Van Schaik’s Biogro
Mentor: Colin Chartres
I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to attend the 2024 Crawford Fund Conference with eye-opening and passionate speakers delving into some of the biggest issues surrounding research and development of global agriculture. It is refreshing to return to addressing the world’s problems that do not revolve around the pandemic of COVID-19; problems that we, as scholars and researchers, are likely to encounter in our careers.
This year, the conference was focused on developing relationships with the people we work with, understanding differences in culture and the importance of co-ownership. The great organisational efforts by the Crawford Fund and the RAID Network allow the conference to be tailored to suit all levels of experience with attendees ranging from undergraduate students to retired professionals.
Attending this conference as an Honours student with no previous exposure to international agriculture or to low- and middle-income countries has provided me with an appreciation for the work many of the room are involved in. The diversity of attendees was remarkable having a combined wealth of knowledge and experience from working in many different countries on various projects. Paired with the willingness to share, scholars like myself are given the opportunity to take in as much as we possibly can. These people also possess a broad network to enable connections between scholars and professionals with similar interests. In a room like this, it is impossible to not learn something new.
I do not know what my future will entail, so it was comforting to learn that others also followed a career path that was not well defined, with speakers such as Dr James Quilty transitioning from an IT background, and Dr Steven Ives who became a doctor despite having a trade and never finishing high school.
One key point that carried through the conference, and one that resonated with me was the importance of developing a relationship with the people you work with. Throughout the student activities and during the conference, many speakers talked out the importance of developing this relationship. Co-developed projects are more relevant to the grower and their neighbours. A co-owned project will have results shared in a more effective way. These people are friends not colleagues and you work with them to learn rather than to teach. This skill I can develop now in my current work and carry it with me throughout my career.
I would like to say thank you to the curators of such a well organised and smoothly executed event. Colin Chartres, my mentor, was exceptional with his wealth of knowledge and connections and his sincereness in directing me to make new friends. Other mentors who took me under their wing, including Bob Clements and Tony Gregson, helped me as much as I would expect them to help their own mentee. I should hope that if I ever need direction in life, I could contact these people, and they would be more than willing to help, a positive result from such a well run event.
Simon Michelmore, South Australian Research and Development Institute
Mentor: Ros Gleadow
I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to attend the 2024 Crawford Fund annual conference and scholar program in Canberra. This conference is regarded as Australia’s key food security event, bringing together an incredible, diverse group of delegates from across the country and around the world to share their experiences and expertise in international agricultural development research. As my past research experience has primarily focussed on the Australian grains industry, I was eager to take this opportunity to broaden my understanding of the international development research environment and to gain insights into how my expertise might be applied in the future to benefit the global community.
This year’s conference program focussed on the importance of genuine and effective partnerships that prioritise local leadership and co-design of research and development activities for international development. In her keynote address, Dr Ismahane Elouafi showcased recent successes and provided invaluable advice about prioritising equality, as well as cultural and social awareness when working with international partners. Of particular interest, her presentation highlighted opportunities in livestock greenhouse gas emissions reduction and the vast knowledge gap in nutritive bioactive molecules, noting that only 1% of bioactive molecules in food are currently described.
Throughout the day we heard about research projects across the globe, with topics spanning crops, livestock, climate, biosecurity, trade, and policy. For me, the multidisciplinary nature of this community was a refreshing change from the highly specialised nature of many academic conferences. It was eye-opening to see how the conference themes of partnership and co-design tie together this diverse range of disciplines, and to see the parallels between effective R&D strategies across different cultures and communities.
Something that resonated with me in Dr Uday Nidumolu’s talk was that science provides data and information, while communities rely on contextualised knowledge – research for development need both. It occurs to me that the same principles of equality, cultural sensitivity, local leadership, and genuine co-design that make for successful international development research should also guide every area of applied research domestically. Indeed, an inspiring talk was given by Madonna Thomson of the Jagera people, discussing the challenges of developing commercialisation strategies for Australian Aboriginal food systems. Native foods represent a source of drought and climate resilient food production that could provide economic opportunities for indigenous communities, but projects aiming to revitalise these traditional practices must prioritise indigenous self-determination and ownership of traditional knowledge and sustainable food systems to bring profits back to these communities.
As a Crawford Fund Conference Scholar, I had the privilege of participating in a series of networking activities as part of a group of 40 scholars and our incredible volunteer mentors. I was paired with Professor Ros Gleadow, who proved to be a wonderful mentor and provided valuable advice and insights from her own career. During the speed-networking activities, I was able to meet a range of inspiring leaders in international agricultural development and Australian agriculture research.
I am deeply grateful to the Crawford Fund and the South Australian committee for providing me with this experience, and I would highly recommend to other students across every discipline to consider applying for future scholarship programs.
Bikram Nepali, University of Adelaide
Mentor: Rajendra Adhikari
“Attending the Crawford Fund’s Conference Scholar Program was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of global agricultural research and development. The conference brought together diverse experts, researchers, and policymakers, fostering a rich environment for knowledge exchange on pressing agricultural challenges. Engaging in discussions on food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural practices, I gained valuable insights into the need for integrated, interdisciplinary approaches to address these issues.
A key highlight was the mentorship I received from an experienced professional, which provided personalized guidance on research methodologies, career development, and effective policy advocacy. This mentorship helped clarify my career path and inspired me to focus on practical, research-based solutions that address international agricultural development’s scientific and socio-economic aspects.
Networking with like-minded scholars and professionals allowed me to build meaningful connections and explore potential collaborations. This reinforced the importance of combining technological innovation with an understanding of local contexts for sustainable impact.
Overall, the conference was a pivotal moment in my professional journey, equipping me with new perspectives, skills, and a strengthened commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture. I am eager to apply the insights gained to develop impactful strategies that support food security and sustainability in my home region and beyond.”
