Dr Nick Austin is Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) in Canberra. ACIAR, part of Australia's Aid Program, aims to achieve more productive and sustainable agricultural systems, for the benefit of developing countries and Australia, through international agricultural research partnerships.
Dr Austin previously held senior executive positions in science and research, agriculture and biosecurity in the NSW Department of Primary Industries, and has held senior positions in the Victorian public sector.
Dr Austin is a hydrologist by training and has a broad background in agricultural and natural resource research and policy. Educated at the University of Melbourne and University of Sydney, Dr Austin holds a Doctor of Philosophy, a Master of Sustainable Management and a Bachelor of Engineering (Agriculture) degree with Honours. He is a Certified Irrigation Designer and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.