Honorary Principal Fellow, The University of Melbourne, Australia. 

Dr. Fitzgerald has more than 30 years’ experience applying digital agriculture/big data tools to crop agronomy and to adapting agricultural systems to climate change. He is interested in delivering evidence-based innovative science to improve food security under challenging environments. Dr. Fitzgerald is internationally renowned for his expertise in climate adaptation research to ensure future crop production, particularly in understanding the impacts of elevated CO2, heat and frost to crops. He has published 119 peer reviewed papers in the fields of climate change and digital agriculture in a wide range of journals, including Nature. He provides guidance and expert advice on digital agriculture project development to academia, government, and commercial sectors. He also regularly reviews papers and proposals, guides students with theses, and presents to diverse groups including students, farmers and community groups. Furthermore, Dr. Fitzgerald has led and been a member of projects that incorporate complex management, strategic thinking, and governance for innovative cropping, climate change and big data. This included co-leading a large, diverse international team from a variety of countries, ethnicities, ages and experience to understand the impacts of elevated CO2 on crops to improve adaptation to future climate. Globally, this was the only field program of its kind in a semi-arid environment.

Term ends: 31/12/2028

(Photo credits: Felicity Pritchard; source GRDC)