
Waite Research Institute
LOCATION: Agriculture, Food & Wine Building, Hartley Grove, Waite Campus, Urrbrae

Who We Are
The Waite Research Institute (WRI) stimulates and supports research and innovation across the University of Adelaide and its partners that builds capacity for Australia’s agriculture, food and wine sectors.
Named after Peter Waite , the Waite Research Institute is internationally recognised for it’s world-class research, development, teaching and commercialisation activities in Agriculture.
Our fundamental and applied research based at The University of Adelaide’s North Terrace, Roseworthy and Waite campuses underpins innovation in Australia’s agricultural industries.
The Waite Research Institute (WRI) was established in 2009/10 to facilitate further development of the world-class capability and technologies at the Waite precinct. The WRI keeps alive the vision of Peter Waite in leading and providing support for collaborative initiatives that bring about step changes in Australian agricultural science and practice.
The WRI’s broad vision is to drive the innovation to secure a sustainable future for Agriculture—by creating high-quality, nutritious and climate-resilient products. We do this not in isolation, but in close partnership with the agriculture, food and wine sectors.
To achieve our goals, we invest in outstanding researchers across multiple scientific disciplines; and we provide them with advanced facilities to support both new strategic initiatives and established strengths.
Supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure and the unique collective strength of the co-located partners, our research is trans-disciplinary and collaborative in nature with national and international connections to major industry sectors, government and other high-quality research organisations.
Our Goals
- Research with impact in sustainable intensification of agriculture in a changing climate
- Building large-scale initiatives across disciplines
- Enhancing excellence through researcher development
- Connecting researchers with industry through the AFW IEP
Bringing together research and ideas from across the Waite campus and beyond.

Professor Matt Tucker
Director
T. +61 8 8313 9241
E. matthew.tucker@adelaide.edu.au
Professor Jenny Mortimer
Deputy Director
T. +61 8 8313 3615
E. jenny.mortimer@adelaide.edu.au
Dr Vicki Mavrakis
Institute Manager
T. +61 8 8313 4251
E. vicki.mavrakis@adelaide.edu.au

Dr Helen Collins
Executive Officer
T. +61 8 8313 4251
E. helen.collins@adelaide.edu.au
Partner Details
- Waite Research Institute
- T. 08 8313 6650
- E. wri@adelaide.edu.au
- P: PMB 1, Glen Osmond SA 5064
- A. Agriculture, Food and Wine Building, Hartley Grove, Urrbrae – View on google map
- Visit Official Website
RELATED NEWS & EVENTS
Save the date: Waite Research Symposium 2025
The annual WRI symposium will be held this year on Wednesday December 3rd at the National Wine Centre. Stay tuned for more details!
WRI Seminar Series: July
July kicked off with the first of three seminars David Peck delighted with his insights into seed dormancy and drought resistance. Check in here for more info on upcoming talks!
WRI Seminar Series: Sarah Ewers and Guisella Yarasca – Food technology at SARDI: capabilities and recent projects
The SARDI Food Tech Program, a division within PIRSA, provides technical support and expert assistan...
Aug 14, 10:00 am - 11:00 amWRI Seminar Series: Dr James Cowley and Bill Hirt – Adelaide University Food Product Development Program
James and Bill give an overview of the work happening within the university's Food Product Developme...
Aug 28, 10:00 am - 11:00 amWRI Seminar Series: Prof Bronwyn Gillanders – School of Biological Sciences
Professor Gillanders - fresh off a trip to the Galapagos islands - joins us to talk about the work d...
Sep 25, 10:00 am - 11:00 am