Professor Tim Sutton

Professor Tim Sutton
Research Director - Crop Sciences
Research Program - Agronomy
Email: tim.sutton@sa.gov.au

Biography

Professor Sutton has over two decades experience leading and managing academic and applied R&D directed at the
improvement of profitability and sustainability in the Australian grains and perennial horticulture sector. He is a trained plant
molecular geneticist, respected for applied research outputs in cereals and pulses, having published as both lead and senior
author in the fields’ highest ranked scientific journals, Nature and Science. Through experience as a laboratory scientist,
group leader and research director with executive responsibility, he has established and fostered enduring relationships across
a broad range of primary industry stakeholders both in South Australia and nationally. As Research Director at the South
Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), Professor Sutton oversees a large portfolio of Research and
Development that delivers outcomes to key crop industries and addresses the current and future challenges of sustainable and
profitable agriculture in our region.

Research Interests

• The application of plant physiology, molecular and quantitative genetics to increase genetic gain in cereals and pulses to
  overcome disease, improve quality traits and increase yield.
• Optimisation of management practices and inputs that increase crop productivity across low, medium and high
  rainfall regions of South Australia.
• Value add opportunities for the grain and perennial horticulture industries.
• R&D Innovation in carbon mitigation in agriculture to contribute to the limiting of the impact of future climate change

Division: Crop Sciences

Keywords: Crop, plant, grain, pasture, farming, horticulture, biology, molecular, genetics, breeding, sustainability, management, biosecurity, disease, pest, carbon, climate, innovation, technology, collaboration, industry connection

Qualifications: PhD, 2003, University of Adelaide; B.Ag.Sc. Hons (1st Class) 1997, University of Adelaide

Research Affiliations: Affiliate Professor, The University of Adelaide