We are pleased to announce that Professor Kadambot Siddique, an outstanding scientist in crop science and agriculture, has been formally appointed as a Member of the Academic Committee of the CORE Academy.
The Academic Committee is a vital component of the Academy’s organizational structure, responsible for overseeing and advising on academic affairs and providing strategic guidance for the Academy’s future development. It plays a central role in upholding academic standards, nominating and electing fellowship candidates, and guiding the strategic direction of research across the Academy and its affiliated institutions. Experts with distinguished achievements and reputations in the related fields are invited to join as members of the Academic Committee.
"A Member of the Academic Committee of the CORE Academy is a leading scholar with distinguished achievements and a high reputation in relevant fields, who serves as a strategic advisor on fellowship nominations and elections, provides guidance on scientific and academic development, and upholds the Academy’s highest scholarly standards."
Kadambot Siddique is a Fellow of the CORE Academy in the Division of Natural Sciences (elected 2023). He currently serves as Hackett Professor of Agriculture and Chair and Director of the Institute of Agriculture at The University of Western Australia. Since 2006, he has led the Institute as its Founding Director, guiding its transformation into a globally recognized center for multidisciplinary agricultural research and training.
Throughout his academic career, Professor Siddique has published over 900 scientific papers, books, and book chapters. His work integrates crop physiology, production agronomy, germplasm development, and breeding—an approach that is rare yet essential for addressing complex agricultural challenges. His research has significantly contributed to dryland agriculture, particularly through crop yield improvements in grain legumes and wheat.
Professor Siddique actively engages with end-users by collaborating closely with industry and farming communities from the inception of his research projects. This practical approach ensures his research directly addresses real-world agricultural problems through meticulous scientific methodology and international collaboration, making it highly relevant to global researchers, producers, and communities. His pioneering studies have significantly enhanced understanding of the physiology, genetics, and agronomy of pulses and cereal crops under dryland conditions. These insights have informed agricultural innovations across Asia, the Middle East, and Australia, profoundly impacting food security and sustainable farming practices.
(Image From UWA)
Beyond his academic contributions, Professor Siddique has played a prominent role in international scientific engagement. He served as Special Ambassador for the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s International Year of Pulses (2016) in the Asia-Pacific region, advocating for legumes' role in sustainable food systems. He has supervised and trained more than 60 postdoctoral fellows from various countries, approximately 60 postgraduate students (PhD and MSc), and numerous undergraduate students from around the world. His international efforts have earned him numerous honors, including the Crawford Fund Medal (2024), the Chinese Government Friendship Award (2019), and the Sanqin Friendship Award, recognizing his commitment to strengthening scientific ties and building capacity across borders.
He has been elected and appointed to prestigious international scientific organizations and academies, including the African Academy of Sciences (as the first Australian elected), Foreign Fellow of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences (2021), Foreign Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (2015), Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (2005), Fellow of the Australian Agricultural Institute, and Fellow of the World Academy of Sciences (2024). Additionally, he received the Member of the Order of Australia (AM, 2011) and was honored as the Western Australian Scientist of the Year by the Western Australian Government in 2023.
Professor Siddique’s appointment to the Academic Committee reflects his outstanding academic achievements and steadfast commitment to international scientific exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the application of research for global benefit. His expertise in crop science and agricultural development closely aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the CORE Academy’s mission of promoting scholarly excellence and meaningful contributions to global well-being through international academic cooperation.
The CORE Academy warmly congratulates and welcomes Professor Siddique. His insights, leadership, and dedication to advancing global science will undoubtedly enhance the Academic Committee’s efforts to fulfill the Academy’s vision and values.
References
Kadambot Siddique's Profile: https://www.coreacad.org/Member.aspx?ProId=25
UWA Profile: https://research-repository.uwa.edu.au/en/persons/kadambot-siddique
UWA News: https://www.uwa.edu.au/news/article/2023/september/hackett-professor-kadambot-siddique-named-scientist-of-the-year