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Dr Gary Fitt

Science Director

https://people.csiro.au/F/G/Gary-Fitt

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Contact details:

GPO BOX 2583
BRISBANE QLD 4001 AUSTRALIA

Biography

Dr Gary Fitt obtained his PhD from the University of Sydney and joined CSIRO as an Experimental Scientist in 1977. Dr Fitt advanced to the level of Senior Principal Research Scientist before becoming the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Cotton Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) in 1999. In 2008 he became the Deputy Chief of the CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences in Brisbane, the position he held until becoming the Director of the Biosecurity Flagship in 2012.

He has extensive research experience in agricultural sustainability and has focussed on the study of the Helicoverpa moth, one of the most damaging pests of Australian and global agriculture. His approach has been to understand the moth’s ecology as a foundation for more sustainable pest management. His research in insect movement, migration and host plant resistance has greatly assisted in the development of Helicoverpa resistance management strategies.

He has published more than 100 refereed publications, and contributed to more than 20 books.

He has held many positions, including Board Director of the Cotton Catchment Communities CRC and is currently Chair of the Science Advisory Body of the OECD Cooperative Research Program. He is an Adjunct Professor at both the University of New England and the University of Sydney.

Current Roles

  • Science Director
    Biosecurity Flagship

Academic Qualifications

  • 1977

    BSc (Honours - 1st Class)
    University of Sydney

  • 1984

    PhD
    University of Sydney

Professional Experiences

  • 1999-2003

    Chief Executive Officer
    Australian Cotton Cooperative research Centre

  • 2005-2013

    Board Director
    Cotton catchment Communities CRC

  • 2003-2010

    Executive member, Global Working Group on Genetically Modified Crops
    IOBC International Organisation of Biological Control

  • 2004-2005

    Chair, Export Panel on Cotton Biotechnology
    International Cotton Advisory Committee

  • 2009-2014

    Chair, Science Advisory Body
    OECD Cooperative Research Program

  • 2006-2013

    Member, Steering Committee Australia-India Strategic Research Fund
    Australian Government

  • 2004-2010

    OIC Longpocket Laboratories
    CSIRO

  • 2010-2013

    OIC Ecosciences Precinct
    CSIRO

Achievements and Awards

  • 1984

    Jabez Hayden King Award
    University of Sydney

  • 1999

    Sir ian McLennan Certificate of Commendation
    ATSE

  • 2001

    Fellow Academy of Technological Scinces and Engineering (ATSE)
    ATSE

  • 2002

    Centenary medal
    Australian Givernment

  • 2002

    Mackerra Medal
    Australian Entomological Society

  • 2006

    Clunies Ross Award
    ATSE

We have publications by Dr Gary Fitt