Regional panels
The GRDC’s three regional panels are composed of grain growers, agribusiness representatives, researchers and the GRDC executive managers, with provision for other industry experts to participate as appropriate. Regional panel members also participate as members of GRDC program teams.
The regional panels develop and monitor the strategic direction for the regional elements of the GRDC’s R&D investments (details of investments in the regions are provided in Figure 5 in the preliminary section of this report).
Supported by the GRDC program managers, panel members assess investment proposals based on selection criteria and undertake risk analysis of the potential investments. The panels are also responsible for ensuring that investment strategy is responding to the regional and national priorities of stakeholders.
The GRDC Operating Manual covers roles, responsibilities, codes of conduct, remuneration and selection guidelines for panel members. Panel members as at 30 June 2008 are listed in Table 19.
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 four 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.
Checking out Western Australia’s northern wheat belt are GRDC board members (from left) Nicole Birrell, Steve Marshall, Philip Young and Don Plowman. Photo: GRDC
| Table 19 Regional panel membership as at 30 June 2008 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Chair | Deputy Chair | Members | |
| Northern Regional Panel | James Clarka | Greg Fraser David Freebairn Richard Heath Chris Joseph John Sheppard Graeme Wright Bill Yates |
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| Southern Regional Panel | David Shannon | Mark Peoples | Jeffrey Arney Andrew Barr Merna Curnow John Harvey Barbara Howlett Graeme Lukey Allan Mayfield Andrew Rice Gavin Whiteley David Wolfenden |
| Western Regional Panel | Neil Young | Robert Belford | Ralph Burnett David Capperb Merrie Carlshausen Ben Curtis Iftikhar Mostafa Richard Oliver Vince Logan Ruth Young |
a Replaced Ian Buss, who retired on 31 March 2008. |
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Program teams
Each of the GRDC’s four 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 20).
Each program team is responsible for developing, implementing and reviewing the investment strategy within its output group. Other activities include evaluating projects, prioritising potential investment opportunities and monitoring project performance.
| Table 20 Program teams as at 30 June 2008 | |
|---|---|
| Program team | Subprogram teams |
| Varieties |
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| Practices |
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| New Products |
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| Communication & Customer Services |
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