Professor Chris Blanchard has been appointed as the new Director of the La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food (LISAF).
Professor Blanchard brings more than 25 years of experience in agricultural and food sciences.
His research career includes extensive research experience at the CSIRO Grain Quality Research Laboratory, the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research in Switzerland and Charles Sturt University.
Outside of academia, Professor Blanchard has extensive leadership in the grains industry, having twice chaired the Australasian Grain Science Association. He served on the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) Southern Panel for seven years and as a GRDC Board Director for three years.
His contributions extend to strategic industry committees, including Grain Growers and Australia's National Committee for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries.
"I'm honoured to be joining the La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food as its next Director, and excited to accelerate research and innovation that is strengthening Australia's food systems, from improving grain quality and sustainability, to boosting plant-based nutrition for consumers." Professor Blanchard said.
"I look forward to working with an exceptional team at La Trobe across farming systems, digital agriculture, protected cropping, plant breeding, agrifood science and nutrition."
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Innovation, Professor Chris Pakes welcomed the appointment.
"Professor Blanchard brings extraordinary academic standing, extensive research leadership, and enduring connections with industry and government," Professor Pakes said.
"His appointment will ensure LISAF remains at the forefront of innovation in sustainable agriculture and food systems."
Professor Blanchard succeeds Professor Tony Bacic, a globally respected plant biochemist whose leadership has been instrumental in establishing LISAF as a global leader in 'paddock-to-gut' research.
Under Professor Bacic's leadership, LISAF recently launched Australia's first ARC Research Hub for Protected Cropping, attracting $27 million in funding to address climate resilience and crop quality.
Professor Bacic's research contributions include groundbreaking work on cereal biology, food quality and crop productivity. He has extensive leadership experience in research, with involvement in several Australian Research Council Centres of Excellence and Corporative Research Centres.
His achievements have been recognised through his election as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and numerous awards from both La Trobe and James Cook universities.
Professor Blanchard's appointment, commencing in April 2026, marks an exciting new chapter for LISAF, building on Professor Bacic's legacy and setting the stage for innovative research and industry partnerships that will strengthen Australia's agricultural and food sectors.
