Advisory panels and program teams
The panel system is a key strength of the GRDC. The Board makes decisions with the support of a national advisory panel, informed by the knowledge and experience of three regional panels and three program teams. This network helps to ensure that GRDC investments are directed towards the interests of all its stakeholders and the strategic objectives of its programs.
National Panel
The National Panel comprises the three regional panel chairs, the GRDC’s Managing Director and the GRDC’s executive managers. The National Panel addresses national R&D priorities across the GRDC’s investment portfolio and advances recommendations to the Board.
In assisting the Board, the panel’s key advice functions include reviewing program investment plans; reviewing budget development and allocations; recommending strategic changes in allocations; arbitrating issues of investment allocation and investment strategy; and endorsing review recommendations. The National Panel also plays a major role in communicating with research partners and stakeholders.
Regional panels
The three regional panels are composed of grain growers, agribusiness representatives, researchers and the GRDC’s executive managers, with provision for other industry experts to participate as appropriate. Regional panel members also participate as members of program teams.
Western Regional Panel members. (From left) Narelle Moore, Anna Butcher, Ralph Burnett, Richard Oliver, Neil Young, Fran Hoyle and Peter Roberts. Absent: Merrie Carlshausen, Leecia Angus and John Harvey. Photo: GRDC
The regional panels develop and monitor the strategic direction for the regional elements of the GRDC’s R&D investments (details of the regions are provided in Figure 8 in Part 1). Supported by the GRDC program managers, panel members assess investment proposals from the point of view of regional needs, gaps in the R&D portfolio, quality of the proposal and risk. The panels are responsible for ensuring that investment strategy is responding to the regional and national priorities of stakeholders.
The GRDC Operating Manual covers the roles, responsibilities, codes of conduct, remuneration and selection guidelines for panel members.
In December 2010, the GRDC advertised nationally for positions on the GRDC regional panels for a term commencing 1 July 2011. Applications closed on 7 March 2011. The GRDC received 114 applications from across Australia and three from New Zealand. The successful applicants will commence their two-year term from 1 July 2011.
Panel members as at 30 June 2011 are listed in Table 23. Biographical information on panel members is available from the GRDC’s website and YouTube channel.
| Chair | Deputy Chair | Members | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Northern Regional Panel |
James Clark |
John Sheppard |
David Freebairn |
Aaron Sanderson |
Southern Regional Panel |
David Shannon |
Mark Peoples |
Andrew Barr |
Allan Mayfield |
Western Regional Panel |
Neil Younga |
Richard Oliver |
Leecia Angus |
Tracey Gianattic |
a Concluded his term as Chair in April 2011. b Appointed as Chair in April 2011. c Resigned in January 2011.
Southern Regional Panel members. (From left) Geoff Budd, Richard Konzag, Allan Mayfield, Mark Peoples, Merna Curnow, Peter Schwarz, David Shannon, Andrew Rice, Andrew Barr and Chris Blanchard. Absent: Stephen Thomas. Photo: GRDC
Program teams
Each of the GRDC’s three program teams comprises program managers, panel members from each of the three regions, an executive manager and a panel chair. Depending on the size and complexity of the portfolio, some program teams comprise several subprograms (as shown in Table 24).
Each program team is responsible for developing, implementing and reviewing the investment strategy and advising on proposed investments within its output group. Other activities include evaluating projects, prioritising potential investment opportunities and monitoring project performance.
| Program team | Subprogram teams |
|---|---|
Practices |
|
Varieties |
|
New Products |
|