Cotton Australia has announced the award finalists for the Cotton Seed Distributors Researcher of the Year Award, recognising the intelligence, commitment and passion that our researchers have for the Australian cotton industry.

The three finalists are:

• Dr. Katie Broughton, research scientist at CSIRO Agriculture and Food in Narrabri, NSW, Australia.
• Lou Gall, CottonInfo Technical Lead and Executive Officer for Gwydir Valley Irrigator Association.
• Dr Murray Sharman, Principal Plant Pathologist (Virology) at Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (Queensland).

Cotton Australia General Manager Michael Murray said the three finalists, all current or previous CRDC-supported researchers/extension officers, have demonstrated a combined commitment of close to 80 years in their efforts to improve the cotton industry in Australia.

“Research is at the core of the current strength and global competitiveness of Australian cotton so the efforts and importance of all involved in research cannot be overstated.

“We are very honoured that the Australian cotton industry attracts very bright and dedicated individuals playing an integral role in advancing cotton in very different ways, and history shows that when you work in the rewarding field of cotton research, many stay for years, knowing their excellent work is making a real difference to farmers.”

This year the finalists were chosen from a diverse range of backgrounds, with every nominee making exceptional contributions in their chosen field. The nominees cover such areas as climate change and its impact on cotton production, sustainable agronomic practices, then use of novel plant growth hormones in cotton systems to optimise plant growth and yield, and virology diagnostics and research in biosecurity preparedness for viruses that may affect the cotton industry.

“It’s understandable that growers are celebrated whenever we produce a national crop of top-level sustainable cotton thereby making an important economic contribution to our economy and their own local economies.

“This Cotton Seed Distributor sponsored award recognises the role that science and research plays in the process, and the important part that growers themselves play in feeding back their own needs into the research decisions,” Mr Murray said.

Dr Ian Taylor, CEO of Cotton Seed Distributors (CSD), said the organisation is proud to sponsor the Researcher of the Year Award in recognition of the vital role research plays in the future of Australian cotton.

“Research underpins everything we do, from seed development to supporting growers with tools and knowledge that helps them adapt and succeed in an ever-changing environment,” Dr Taylor said.

“We have enormous respect for our research community. This year’s three finalists highlight the breadth and depth of cotton research in Australia, from enhancing biosecurity and disease diagnostics, to improving irrigation efficiency, and developing strategies to adapt to climate variability. Their work is not only advancing scientific understanding, but delivering practical, on-farm solutions that improve productivity, sustainability and long-term resilience for our growers.”

“The CSD Researcher of the Year Award celebrates these achievements and shines a light on the scientists and innovators who are helping deliver meaningful outcomes for cotton growers and ensuring the industry remains globally competitive and future focused.”

Briefs for each finalist are below:

• Dr. Katie Broughton is a research scientist at CSIRO Agriculture and Food in Narrabri, NSW, Australia. Her world leading research has focussed on understanding the impacts of climate change on cotton production and developing sustainable agronomic practices. Currently she leads projects that explore innovative solutions, such as the use of novel plant growth hormones, to enhance cotton yield and resilience. Her work not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also provides practical strategies for farmers to adapt to environmental challenges.
• Lou Gall has been involved in the cotton industry since 1990 and is the current CottonInfo Technical Lead and Executive Officer for Gwydir Valley Irrigator Association. Lou led the irrigation extension program to improve on farm water use efficiency by extending the latest research and demonstrating irrigation technologies, automation and designs. Working closely with CRDC researchers, research organisations, irrigation designers and engineers, Lou continues to play an important role developing campaigns, workshops, field days and research forums to deliver irrigation information.
• Dr Murray Sharman is the Principal Plant Pathologist (Virology) at the QLD Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. He oversees national virology diagnostics and research and plays a crucial role in biosecurity preparedness for viruses that may affect the cotton industry. One example is Cotton Bunchy Top Virus (CBTV) where Murray’s work has greatly advanced the understanding of the issue in cotton. In collaboration with the CSIRO, he identified new hosts and two genetically distinct strains of CBTV in Australia, leading to new cotton varieties being released for commercial production that have resistance to CBTV.

The Cotton Seed Distributors Researcher of the Year Award recipient will be announced during the Cotton Collective in Toowoomba on 6 August. The Bayer Grower of the Year, the AgriRisk High Achiever of the Year, the CRDC Chris Lehmann Young Cotton Achiever of the Year Award, and the Incitec Pivot Fertiliser Service to Industry Award will also be announced at the Collective.