Professor Chris Blanchard has been appointed director of the La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food (LISAF).
Blanchard has more than 25 years’ experience in agricultural and food sciences. His research background includes roles at the CSIRO Grain Quality Research Laboratory, the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research in Switzerland and Charles Sturt University.
He has also held senior leadership roles within the grains industry. Blanchard has twice chaired the Australasian Grain Science Association and served on the Grains Research and Development Corporation Southern Panel for seven years, followed by three years as a GRDC board director.
His industry involvement includes participation on strategic committees such as Grain Growers and Australia’s National Committee for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries.
“I’m honoured to be joining the La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food as its next Director, and excited to accelerate research and innovation that is strengthening Australia’s food systems, from improving grain quality and sustainability, to boosting plant-based nutrition for consumers,” Blanchard said.
“I look forward to working with an exceptional team at La Trobe across farming systems, digital agriculture, protected cropping, plant breeding, agrifood science and nutrition.”
Professor Blanchard succeeds Professor Tony Bacic, whose tenure included the establishment of LISAF’s paddock to gut research agenda. During his leadership, LISAF launched Australia’s first ARC Research Hub for Protected Cropping, securing $27 million in funding to address climate resilience and crop quality.
Professor Bacic’s research has focused on cereal biology, food quality and crop productivity. His leadership experience includes involvement in several Australian Research Council Centres of Excellence and Cooperative Research Centres. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and has received multiple awards from La Trobe University and James Cook University.
“Professor Blanchard brings strong academic standing, research leadership and connections with industry and government,” said deputy vice-chancellor, research and innovation, Professor Chris Pakes.
“His appointment will support LISAF’s focus on innovation in sustainable agriculture and food systems.”
Professor Blanchard will commence the role in April 2026.