Matthew Morell

Prof. Matthew Morell is an internationally recognised agricultural scientist and research leader with more than 40 years of experience delivering innovations that benefit agriculture, food systems, and consumers. As Director of the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), he leads research focused on improving agricultural productivity and sustainability, enhancing nutrition, building climate resilience, and reducing environmental impacts while supporting farmers and rural communities.

Professor Morell spent seven years at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines, including five years as Chief Executive Officer, leading operations across 17 countries, guiding the institute’s strategic direction, regional engagement, and advancing research in climate-resilient crops, healthier rice varieties, sustainable farming systems, and capacity development. Earlier, he spent 17 years with CSIRO, where he established and led research programs on grain quality and nutritional impact, resulting in two spin-off companies that commercialised novel grain technologies with human health benefits. Professor Morell holds a PhD in Agricultural Chemistry from the University of Sydney and has held research positions at the University of Michigan, the University of California, Davis, and the Australian National University. He is currently Board Chair of CIMMYT, the international wheat and maize research centre, and a member of the CGIAR Board.