Growing up on a family farm near Manildra, NSW, Isabelle developed an early fascination with agriculture and the science behind it.
Today, as a recipient of the prestigious AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship, she is aiming to bridge the gap between new technology and their practical applications on-farm.
Isabelle Duff describes her upbringing as a classic "farm-kid" childhood – riding motorbikes, bouncing around on the back of the ute, and helping out wherever she could. But what kept her trailing her dad like a loyal kelpie was her insatiable scientific curiosity, always eager to understand the 'why' behind everything.
"I grew up on a farm, following Dad around in the ute, asking endless questions," Isabelle recalls.
Then in high school, genetics clicked – it explained everything on the farm, from our Angus bulls to why we class our sheep. That was the moment I knew I wanted to study science. |
This passion led Isabelle to pursue a Bachelor of Advanced Science and Commerce at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), majoring in Genetics and Accounting. While her family manages a mixed farming operation with sheep, cattle and cropping, she is eager to bring something new to the table – innovative genetic research with the potential to transform the industry.
Before university, Isabelle spent a gap year working full-time on her family's farm, strengthening her knowledge of animal health and land management. Since then, she has sought opportunities to bridge the gap between research and practical farming applications.
Studying genetics at UNSW, I've seen cutting-edge research that's still too expensive for agriculture. But I know it's coming. I learned metagenomics for soil science in my first year and now it's happening in Queensland. |
Her ambition is to bring these innovations to commercial farms, making them accessible and cost-effective for Australian producers.
In addition to her academic studies, Isabelle spent a year working at a vertical spinach farm in Sydney, gaining firsthand experience in agricultural technology and problem-solving. "It was chaotic, but I thrived on it. Turns out, startups and farming have a lot in common," she says.
For Isabelle, receiving a Horizon Scholarship , sponsored by AgriFutures Australia, has been a transformative experience. The program provides financial support, mentorship, and industry placements, helping young leaders like Isabelle accelerate their careers in agriculture.
"I met a Horizon Scholar at an agricultural conference when I was eighteen. She told me all about it and it sounded amazing, so I wrote 'apply for Horizon Scholarship' in my notes and waited four years. Now, I'm here, and it's everything I hoped for," said Isabelle.
Dallas Pearce, Project Manager, evokeAG. and Global Innovation Networks at AgriFutures Australia, highlights the scholarship's impact: "This unique program not only helps scholars develop practical skills but also opens doors to diverse learning opportunities. It's a career accelerator with a high conversion rate into employment, setting scholars up for long-term success," she said.
Isabelle's impressive background and drive position her as a future leader in the agriculture sector, Dallas explained.
Isabelle's passion for science and business has positioned her as a future leader in the eyes of AgriFutures. |
"The Horizon Scholarship will further enhance her skills and experiences, allowing her to make significant contributions to the industry," she said.
"We are confident Isabelle will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of agriculture through her expertise and innovative mindset."
AgriFutures Australia is committed to supporting the next generation of leaders that will drive the future prosperity of Australian rural industries and communities. The AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship is awarded to students studying an agriculture-related undergraduate degree or a Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths/Finance (STEM) degree with relevant majors which align to agriculture.
Applications for the 2026 AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship are now open and close on Monday 26 January 2026.
