Acclaimed international scientist, Professor Richard Warrick, has joined Curtin University’s International Institute of Agri-Food Security (IIAFS).
Professor Warrick, a leading climate change expert, has served as lead author on all four of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment reports.
In 2007, the IPCC shared the Nobel Peace Prize with former American Vice-President Al Gore.
Curtin Business School (CBS) Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Tony Travaglione said Professor Warrick’s appointment would be of great benefit to Western Australian agricultural industries.
“Food security is one of the biggest challenges facing the global community,” Professor Travaglione said.
“IIAFS is leading the way in providing effective strategies to increase local and regional food sustainability, with an emphasis on healthy, nutritious food.
“Professor Warrick will work with IIAFS researchers on projects covering a range of issues including farm resilience, biodiversity and the assessment of impacts in a changing climate.”
Professor Warrick said his appointment was an opportunity to complement Western Australia’s attention on mining with a renewed focus on the issue of food security and the impacts of climate variability in the region.
“In recent years we have seen the devastating effects natural disasters can have on Australian food production,” Professor Warrick said.
“In my role at Curtin, I will use my research and training skills in climate change to work closely with industry to develop improved adaptation options for sustainable agri-food production systems.”
IIAFS is a collaborative research institute bringing together academics from across four Curtin faculties – CBS, Health Sciences, Humanities and Science and Engineering.
Media contact:
Gracie Daniel, Public Relations Consultant, Curtin University
Tel: 08 9266 3353, Email: gracie.daniel@curtin.edu.au
This media release was updated on 27 February 2014.
