Our impact / Impact report 2025
Advancing agriculture through global scholarships
Understanding our impact ensures we can continue to provide meaningful experiences for scholars and value for our investors.
We took a 360-degree approach to measuring impact. Not only speaking to our alumni and investors, we also gathered perspectives from sector leaders outside of our network and representatives from outside the agricultural sector.
Our purpose
To advance sustainable and profitable primary production in Australia through delivery of an outstanding global scholarship experience that builds a prestigious agricultural network.
Our vision
To be the finest network of innovators engaged in the global food and fibre chain.
Our mission
To build capacity in people to lead and innovate in Australian primary industries and their communities.
"Nuffield scholars are very motivated and passionate about agriculture and making a difference."
Adam Fennessy PSMSecretary, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Our impact
A lifelong community - the power of the Nuffield network
Nuffield is more than just a scholarship — it is a lifelong community. Scholars join a diverse and engaged alumni network that provides ongoing support, knowledge exchange, and industry connections long after their initial research is completed.
The network fosters collaboration across different sectors and regions, ensuring that ideas and best practices continue to circulate, strengthening Australian agriculture over time.
Raising the bar - developing individual skills and leadership capacity
At its core, Nuffield is a personal and professional development program that builds the confidence, skills, and global perspective of Australian agriculturalists. Scholars are exposed to new ways of thinking and develop the capability to drive meaningful change in their businesses, industries, and policy settings. By equipping individuals with these tools, Nuffield helps elevate the entire sector, ensuring that Australian agriculture remains resilient, competitive, and forward-thinking. Our alumni embrace leadership not only in business with executive level appointments, but by advocating for their sectors and communities too.
An incubator for innovation - driving agtech adoption and sparking deeper investigation
Nuffield provides a platform for scholars to explore cutting-edge ideas in agriculture, from emerging technologies to new business models. By connecting scholars with global expertise and fostering an environment where new ideas can be tested and refined, the program acts as an incubator for innovation, including acting as the impetus for further study. Many scholars go on to influence policy, develop groundbreaking technologies, or introduce transformative practices, ensuring that Nuffield remains a driving force in shaping the future of Australian agriculture.
2023 scholar Sarah Crosthwaite was supported by the Gardiner Foundation to study how agricultural sectors around the world support producer mental health. By helping to dismantle stigma around mental health, Sarah is demonstrating leadership in her local community and beyond.
2007 scholar David Jochinke was elected as President of the National Farmers Federation since 2023, previously Vice President from 2017. David has long been an effective advocate for the agriculture sector, vocal about improving farm safety including mental health, as well as setting up Australian farms for sustainability and productivity.
David's scholarship was sponsored by the Grains Research and Development Corporation
2006 scholar Dr Leigh Vial's research on aerobic and alternate wet-and-dry (AWD) rice systems enabled him to contribute significantly to the Australian rice industry's R&D strategy, focusing on water productivity. Leigh has since shared his expertise with neighbouring nations, helping to alleviate hunger in nations with developing economies.
Leigh's scholarship was sponsored by Rabobank.
"It offers knowledge. It offers leadership development. It builds that core capacity in knowledge and leadership within the ag industry."
Richard Heath(2003 Nuffield Scholar) CEO, Zero Net Emissions from Agriculture CRC
Benefits for the agricultural sector
We asked alumni and stakeholders how the program has an impact in the sector. Our investors see impact in three key areas:
Cultivating candidates for leadership roles
The confidence and skills gained during a Nuffield scholarship prime our alumni to take on leadership roles, lifting the candidate base Australia’s agriculture draws from. Our alumni are highly likely to take on further study after their scholarship, improving the overall skills base of the sector even further.
New perspectives and networks
Cross-sector, cross-border networking brings new perspectives to farming sectors. This means Australian producers and growers have higher literacy around international markets, trade and policy and see value in collaboration.
Dissemination of agtech and new innovations
Learning from farming systems globally means our alumni are more likely to be comfortable experimenting with, and often adopting, new and novel approaches. This helps Australian producers and growers remain at the cutting edge of farming, often leading in their fields globally.
Our cohort
Our alumni say:
Many agricultural leaders in Australia are Nuffield alumni
Richard Heath (2003 scholar) has been a prominent figure in Australian agriculture for over two decades. In 2024, he was appointed CEO of the newly established Zero Net Emissions from Agriculture CRC, a $300 million initiative focused on reducing emissions in Australian agriculture.
Roma Britnell (2001 scholar) has served as Member for South-West Coast in the Victorian Parliament since October 2015. She has held a number of shadow ministries in the Victorian Government. Roma has held leadership roles in various agricultural organisations, such as the United Dairyfarmers of Victoria and WestVic Dairy. In 2009, she was honoured as both the Victorian and Australian Rural Woman of the Year.
John Foss (2001 scholar) pioneered the commercial cultivation of chia in Australia, identifying its potential as a natural solution to modern dietary health issues. A fourth-generation wheat farmer, John studied the safe provision of food and fibre through quality assurance and environmentally sustainable methods.
"It creates a space for people to come back to their communities and make a positive impact."
Cathy McGowan AOChair, AgriFutures
Transformational change for scholars
We asked our alumni how the scholarship program impacted them. Alumni overwhelmingly reported individual growth through personal development and professional shifts through networking and capacity building.
Heightened confidence
The scholarship program encourages our alumni to think outside the box - helping them embrace fresh ideas, take on new challenges (including risks) and share their experiences with confidence. This shift at the personal level translates directly to a range of external changes: better decision-making, taking on leadership and public-facing roles and motivation for further study.
Broader network and opportunities
Doors open for Nuffield alumni. Our community is an opportunity for collaborations, professional partnerships and knowledge-sharing. The Nuffield network is a springboard for furthering alumni careers and diversifying their operations.
Motivation to innovate or diversify
With more confidence in their abilities and the opportunity to meet other professionals from their own sectors and beyond - Nuffield alumni have the scaffolding to seek out and try novel production methods. Our alumni take on new production practices, share what they learn, and even pivot to different sectors and businesses.
Taking action
The experience of committing and persevering through the rigours of the scholarship program gives our alumni the confidence to put their best foot forward when connecting with others. This confidence helps them face industry challenges head-on, to 'give it a go' even when it's challenging.
The Nuffield network
"Nuffield is about broadening their scope, broadening their minds, and exposing them to other ways of thinking and doing things."
Fiona SimsonVice President, World Farmers Organisation
What sectors are Nuffield alumni working in?
Where are our scholars from?
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