25 May 2026, AU: The work undertaken by CSIRO researchers is an integral part of GRDC research investments for the grains industry. The Seed of Light awards celebrate scientists for their exceptional work and effective communication of research outcomes.
The GRDC Seed of Light award recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to the communication of research outcomes. CSIRO researchers Dr Rick Llewellyn, Dr John Kirkegaard, Dr Greg Rebetzke, Dr Lindsay Bell and Steve Henry have each been recognised for their ability to engage with growers to communicate research outcomes.
Senior Principal Research Scientist (Agricultural Systems)
Awarded: 2026
Key research areas
- farming systems
- weed and herbicide resistance management
- technology adoption
- agricultural economics
Dr Rick Llewellyn has worked on multiple projects including the widely used ADOPT model that helps researchers determine the likelihood of adoption of specific agricultural innovations. Dr Llewellyn is co-lead on the RiskWi$e initiative, which aims to improve risk-and-return outcomes through better decision-making on-farm.
Chief Research Geneticist
Awarded: 2023
Key research areas
- wheat genetics and breeding
- improving genetics by environment management approaches
- phenomics in breeding
Dr Greg Rebetzke has played a significant role in communicating new and novel wheat genetics outcomes to growers. With deep technical expertise and a strong understanding of grower priorities, Dr Rebetzke has helped ensure GRDC investments translate into practical outcomes across diverse environments.
Research Officer
Awarded: 2022
Key research area
- mouse control
Well-known for his expertise in mouse control, Steve Henry is often on the frontline during mouse plagues, providing technical knowledge and clear communication to growers and industry.
He has undertaken long-term research in mouse control, particularly in northern regions, and contributed significantly to the wider grains industry.
In 2012, Mr Henry played a pivotal role in reinvigorating mouse surveillance across Australia's grain-growing regions and worked to solve the research gap in control methods in the wake of Australian grain growers moving from cultivation to no-till farming.
Senior Principal Research Scientist (Agricultural Systems)
Awarded: 2021
Key research areas
- farming systems
- dual-purpose crops
- pest and weed management
- crop rotations
Dr Lindsay Bell has been instrumental in advancing research that recognises the complexity of farming systems. His work has improved understanding of nutrient dynamics, crop sequencing and long-term system performance. Dr Bell's ability to communicate with growers is well recognised across the industry. He is co-lead with Dr Llewellyn on the RiskWi$e initiative.
Farming systems agronomist
Awarded: 2008
Key research areas
- farming systems
- water use efficiency
- early sowing in wheat and canola
Dr John Kirkegaard's decades-long work
in farming systems, focusing on dryland mixed farming, agronomy and root-soil interactions, has significantly advanced the industry's sustainability and profitability. His ability to take complex information and develop practical and effective crop management strategies for growers is highly valued.
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