After more than five years supporting research, development and extension initiatives across northern Australia, Senior Project Manager Dr Ian Biggs will conclude his role with the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA) at the end of June 2026 to pursue new professional opportunities.

Since joining the CRCNA in 2020, Ian has played a key role in the development and delivery of research, development and extension initiatives that have strengthened northern Australia’s agricultural and regional industries. He has been instrumental in shaping major CRCNA investments, including the Cotton, Grains, Cattle Program, Spicing up Northern Australia, remote telehealth services and the Education portfolio, helping build partnerships that have advanced industry innovation, productivity, wellbeing and regional development. 

CRCNA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Curro said Ian had made a lasting contribution to the organisation and the broader northern Australian agenda. 

“On behalf of the CRCNA Board, management and staff, I thank Ian for his contribution to the organisation and to the industries and communities we serve across northern Australia,” Mr Curro said. 

“Ian has brought extensive expertise in tropical agriculture and industry development to the CRCNA, helping connect industry, researchers, governments and communities to deliver practical outcomes for northern Australia.” 

Throughout his career, Ian has contributed to agricultural innovation and industry development across regional Australia. His leadership and collaborative approach have helped shape research programs that will continue to deliver benefits well beyond the life of individual projects. 

Reflecting on his time with the CRCNA, Dr Biggs said it had been a privilege to work alongside industry, researchers and communities committed to the future of northern Australia. 

“The CRCNA has demonstrated the value of collaborative research and development in addressing northern Australia’s unique challenges and opportunities. I am proud of what has been achieved through these partnerships and look forward to seeing their ongoing impact,” Dr Biggs said. 

Mr Curro said the CRCNA remained focused on delivering its current program of work through to the completion of its funding agreement on 30 June 2027. 

“While we are sorry to see Ian leave, the CRCNA remains fully operational and focused on delivering its contractual commitments, project outcomes and legacy activities through to 30 June 2027,” he said. 

“As we enter the final year of the CRCNA, we continue to engage with partners and governments regarding options to support ongoing research, development and extension capability across northern Australia, including the proposed Centre for Northern Australia, to ensure research, development and extension capability continues to support industry, communities and economic development across the north beyond the CRCNA’s current term.” 

Since 2017, the CRCNA has commissioned more than 100 collaborative projects involving over 270 organisations and delivered more than $155 million in research and development investment across northern Australia.