In addition to AFII Director, Owen is an ANU Entrepreneurial Professor and leads the Atkin Group in the Research School of Biology, studying plant respiration and environmental factors.
Alison Bentley
Deputy Director
Alison has 18 years of international experience as a crop scientist, developing improvements to wheat and other cereals and helping to get them into the hands of farmers. She holds a joint appointment with the Research School of Biology.
Benjamin Bek
Chief Operating Officer (interim)
Benjamin brings a wealth of commercial and operational experience from managing both university and private sector businesses. He is AFII interim COO until June 2024.
Mandy Nguyen
Chief Operating Officer (on leave)
Mandy began her role as AFII's Chief Operations Officer in 2020, after years at ANU in various finance roles, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the executive team and operational management of AFII.
Martin Amidy
Senior Fellow in Agri-Technology and Research Translation Initiative Lead
Martin's work with AFII fosters collaboration and facilitates relationships between AFII, ANU researchers and industry stakeholders.
Rachael Rodney Harris
Innovation Training & Education Lead
Rachael is an ag researcher and educator whose work delivers industry training and education activities.
Denise Higgins
Senior Manager Strategic planning
Denise provides evidential advice to AFII’s Executive and the AFII Board to inform business decision-making.
Anne-Sophie Dielen
Industry Engagement Senior Manager
Anne-Sophie combines strong engagement and advocacy skills, regulatory and policy expertise, with a background in plant science.
Meredith Thomas
Executive Officer
Meredith has experience in business, education and research management, contract management and partnership building.
Phillipa Wilkes
Senior Administration Officer
Pip provides executive support to the Director and AFII team, Hub community and stakeholders.
Liam Wong
Data Analyst
Liam has background in the IT industry and holds double Masters degrees in IT and Data Analytics. He supports AFIIs evaluation and reporting through meaningful management of data.
Alex Maier
Marketing and Communications Manager
Alex leads Marketing and Communications for AFII following extensive experience in the Australian public service.
She works Mon, Wed-Fri.
Bec Hopkins
Senior MarComms Officer
Bec has worked across many roles at the University and provides MarComms support to AFII.
She works Mon -Thurs.
Alex Hart
Administration Officer
Alex provides general administrative support to the AFII team and Hub members.
She works Mon -Wed.
Thomas Davis
Innovation Education Project Officer
Tom supports educational programs that enhance capacity and grow awareness of agrifood sector career pathways. He has a background in IT service delivery in industry and at the University.
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