WRI Seminar Series: Professor Matthew Tucker – The Waite Research Institute – a modern catalyst for research, innovation and partnership

Professor Matthew Tucker, WRI Interim Director, University of Adelaide

Thursday 27 March 2025, 10 am, followed by morning tea.

Title: The Waite Research Institute – a modern catalyst for research, innovation and partnership

Topic: Agricultural production is one of the pillars upon which South Australia was built. As a State, SA is renowned for its clean, plentiful and nutritious primary products, as well as a diversity of environments that experience vastly different climatic conditions. One of the most significant challenges we face is how to maintain or increase productivity and quality in the face of an unpredictable climate and geopolitical instability.

Matt will discuss how the WRI supports research and innovation across the agriculture, food and wine sectors. In particular, he will highlight opportunities for partnership that are aimed developing research investment, growth and productivity.

Bio: Professor Tucker is the Interim Director of the Waite Research Institute at the University of Adelaide and co-Chair of the Adelaide University signature research theme for Food, Agriculture and Wine.

He earned his PhD in Plant Science from UoA and CSIRO, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Freiburg in Germany. With research focus on plant reproduction, Professor Tucker’s work aims to enhance crop yield and grain quality through both traditional and next generation breeding technologies.