The WA Agricultural Research Collaboration (WAARC) has restructured its Executive team, appointing two new Strategic Research Managers (SRMs) and a refreshed Program Lead role in a move designed to sharpen focus, strengthen collaboration, and deliver greater impact across Western Australia’s agricultural research sector.
Previously, WAARC operated with six Program Leads, some part-time, each overseeing one of the organisation’s six research programs.
These positions have now been replaced with two full-time SRMs, complemented by a single Program Lead with an expanded portfolio.
WAARC Chief Operations Officer Debra Mullan said the change was an important step forward.
“This streamlined structure will enable WAARC to operate more efficiently, align our work more effectively, and ensure we continue to deliver high-quality outcomes for WA’s growers, industry and research partners,” Ms Mullan said.
The newly appointed Strategic Research Managers are Dr Kirsty Moynihan and Dr John Statton.
Dr Moynihan previously led WAARC’s Resilient Agricultural Futures program, while Dr Statton joins the organisation as a new team member.
The SRM positions are designed to build and strengthen WAARC’s research portfolio, focusing on collaboration, business development, and funding opportunities rather than leading individual research projects.
They will work across multiple research themes, supporting project leaders, engaging the right experts and stakeholders, and ensuring milestone delivery.
“Our Strategic Research Managers will play a central role in identifying, facilitating and supporting the development of WAARC-aligned research initiatives,” Ms Mullan said.
“They will help secure external investment and ensure every project is strategically positioned to deliver real impact for WA agriculture.”
Alongside the two SRMs, Jenny Crisp will continue in her role as Capacity Building and Extension Program Lead, in addition to leading the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) program for WAARC.
This role will ensure WA’s agricultural research system is well-equipped for the future by building knowledge, skills, experience and networks, while also managing WAARC’s postgraduate program.
The design and management of WAARC’s postgraduate program is central to strengthening WA’s agricultural research system into the future.
Ms Mullan said Jenny’s role was vital in supporting the next generation of agricultural scientists and leaders.
“The postgraduate program is a cornerstone of WAARC’s capacity building work, and Ms Crisp will play a critical role in ensuring students are connected, supported and given opportunities to build networks and skills that will serve WA agriculture for decades to come,” she said.
“By embedding strong monitoring and evaluation alongside this and all of our programs, we can make sure WAARC is delivering long-term value not only for today’s projects, but also for the future leaders of agricultural research.”
The restructure reflects WAARC’s ongoing commitment to deliver world-class agricultural research that is collaborative, industry-focused, and strategically aligned with WA’s priorities.
“This is about positioning WAARC to better harness the collective expertise of our partners and to ensure the research we enable is cutting-edge, collaborative and delivering tangible benefits for Western Australian agriculture,” Ms Mullan said.