Alumni celebrate vital legacy of agricultural research and education

More than 80 alumni joined a two-day event including World Food Day (16 October) to celebrate the past, present, and future of agricultural science at the University of Melbourne.

Attracting generations of former University staff and students, the event featured tours of Parkville and Dookie campuses, and a research seminar presented by Professor Helen Suter.

It culminated in a special dinner where alumni reconnected, met current University researchers, and reflected on their shared legacy of agricultural discovery and innovation.

A crowd of people seated at tables in a large function room are addressed by a woman at a lectern

In her welcome address to the dinner guests, Professor Moira O’Bryan, Dean of Science (pictured above), highlighted agriculture’s vital role in food security and sustainability.

“Building on the work of brilliant agricultural scientists who came before them, our researchers are leading the development of high-impact, interdisciplinary solutions for the challenges of food production, climate change, biodiversity loss and biosecurity threats,” Professor O’Bryan said.

Associate Professor Brendan Cullen, Director of Graduate Research in the School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, chaired a panel discussion during the dinner. The expert panel, comprising Professor James Hunt, Associate Professor Margaret Ayre and Dr Rachel Carey, provided insights into the latest research enabling better integration of agriculture and environmental conservation.

They encouraged alumni to advocate for continued government investment in agricultural education and research, supporting the University’s leadership in training the next generation of scientists, policymakers, and innovators.

Three women and two men stand side by side in a posed group

Left to right: Rachel Carey, Margaret Ayre, James Hunt, Brendan Cullen and Moira O'Bryan.

While Professor Gio Turchini, Head of the School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, was unable to attend, Professor O’Bryan shared a message from him that captured the school’s vision.

“We envisage a future in which ecosystems thrive, agriculture is sustainable, and food systems are healthy. A world aligned with the collective wellbeing of nature and people. A world where environments and communities flourish. Our mission is to nurture new knowledge, strengthen capabilities and transform systems in agriculture, food and ecosystem sciences.”

Learn more about the School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences.

Connect with our alumni community.

A group of people stand in a field with a farm tour guide

A  group of alumni touring Dookie campus.