Wallace Cowling is Professor in plant breeding and genetics at The University of Western Australia. He has released more than 90 canola, lupin and lucerne cultivars which have greatly improved the value of Australian agriculture. Professor Cowling’s research has accelerated genetic gain in grain yield, grain quality and disease resistance in canola, beans and field peas. He supervises several PhD projects on genetics and molecular breeding of brassica crops, field peas, wheat and lupins. Professor Cowling has published more than 130 papers in leading international journals, which describe new approaches to improve the long-term outcomes of plant breeding.

Prof Cowling is an outstanding contributor and innovator at the interface of technology and commerce in Australian and international agriculture. As a research leader and company Director, he has bred and released over 67 crop varieties which have improved production, profitability and sustainability of the Australian grains industry. His research across the disciplines of animal and plant breeding challenges the status quo and promises major improvements for the future. He trains young plant breeders and early career researchers in the new approach. He will add significant value to the Academy by linking academia, business and government.