2026 Horizon Scholars

 

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Nicholas Blersch

The University of Queensland

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Zara Egerton-Warburton

University of Western Australia

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Edi Licciardi

The Australian National University

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Michael Tolhurst Peden

The University of Sydney

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Eden Burns

Murdoch University

Sponsored by Meat & Livestock Australia

Eden Burns grew up in Kununurra in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, where exposure to the northern cattle industry and regional communities shaped a strong interest in animal health. Now studying veterinary science, Eden is passionate about strengthening veterinary services in remote Australia. Areas of interest include disease surveillance, biosecurity and preventative herd health. Eden is committed to improving livestock welfare while supporting industry productivity. As a 2026 AgriFutures Horizon Scholar, supported by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), she is looking forward to gaining experience that will support a more proactive and resilient approach to animal health across northern Australia.

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Emily Bell

Charles Sturt University

Sponsored by Australian Eggs

Emily Bell, originally from Newcastle, is currently studying veterinary science at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga. She previously completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Animal Health, Disease and Welfare at the University of Sydney. Through her studies, Emily has developed a strong understanding of the link between animal health and agricultural systems. She has a particular interest in poultry veterinary practice and has actively pursued opportunities in this field. As a 2026 AgriFutures Horizon Scholar, supported by Australian Eggs, Emily is looking forward to building industry connections and contributing to improved animal health outcomes.

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Nicholas Blersch

The University of Queensland

Sponsored by Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC)

Nicholas Blersch grew up in Inverleigh, Victoria, with strong exposure to agriculture through his family’s industry connections. A gap year experience, including time at an organic farming and timber operation in Austria, deepened his interest in the sector. He is currently studying Agribusiness at the University of Queensland, where he is exploring global trade challenges and the role of biomass in energy and fuel systems. As a 2026 AgriFutures Horizon Scholar, supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), Nicholas is looking forward to industry placements and collaborating with peers to contribute to a more innovative and sustainable grains industry.

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James Telford

James Cook University

Sponsored by AgriFutures Chicken Meat Program

James Telford grew up in the Solomon Islands, where he developed an early interest in animal health through exposure to tropical livestock systems. His family’s chicken business further inspired his pathway into veterinary science, which he is currently studying at James Cook University in Townsville. James has explored his interest in poultry production through placements and research, building a strong foundation in animal production systems. As a 2026 AgriFutures Horizon Scholar, supported by the Chicken Meat industry, he is looking forward to contributing to the sustainable growth of poultry production and supporting producers in both Australian and international contexts.

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Rose Fisher

The University of Melbourne

Sponsored by Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC)

Rose Fisher was raised on a sheep and cropping farm in northeast Victoria, where she developed a strong connection to agriculture and rural communities. Inspired by her family’s innovation and resilience, she is now studying a Bachelor of Agriculture at the University of Melbourne, majoring in Plant and Soil Science. Rose is particularly interested in integrating biological and biochemical approaches to reduce risk in cropping systems, alongside emerging engineering solutions. As a 2026 AgriFutures Horizon Scholar, supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), she is eager to build industry connections and contribute to future-focused, resilient broadacre farming systems.

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Kelsie Dowley

Murdoch University

Sponsored by AgriFutures Emerging Industries Program

Kelsie Dowley is based in Perth and studying Genetics and Molecular Biology at Murdoch University, with aspirations for a research career in agriculture. She has a strong interest in plant–microbe interactions, particularly the relationship between rhizobia and legumes and its potential to enhance productivity while reducing reliance on synthetic fertilisers. Kelsie has already gained experience in research and is keen to further explore this area. As a 2026 AgriFutures Horizon Scholar, supported by Emerging Industries, she is looking forward to contributing to innovative, science-driven solutions that support sustainable growth across Australia’s agricultural sector.

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Sharni Blacker

Adelaide University

Sponsored by Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC)

Sharni Blacker grew up on her family’s broadacre cropping and sheep farm near Cummins on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, developing a strong connection to agriculture and regional communities. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Adelaide. Through work in agronomy and trial-based research, Sharni has developed a particular interest in the grains sector, including plant breeding, weed resistance and sustainable farming practices. As a 2026 AgriFutures Horizon Scholar, supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), she looks forward to gaining hands-on industry experience and contributing to innovative and productive farming systems.

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Zara Egerton-Warburton

University of Western Australia

Sponsored by Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC)

Zara Egerton-Warburton grew up on a farm in Kojonup in Western Australia’s Great Southern region, shaping her early connection to agriculture. Boarding in Perth provided broader exposure to education and industry opportunities. She is currently studying Agricultural Science, progressing toward a master’s at the University of Western Australia, specialising in Soil Science and Plant Nutrition. As a 2026 AgriFutures Horizon Scholar, supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), Zara is looking forward to expanding her understanding of the grains industry, building strong industry networks, and contributing to research and innovation that supports productive and sustainable agricultural systems.

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Edi Licciardi

The Australian National University

Sponsored by Hort Innovation

Edi Licciardi is a second-year vertical degree student at the Australian National University, studying a Bachelor of Earth Science alongside a Master of Agricultural Innovation. With no traditional agricultural background, Edi discovered a strong interest in soil science and agricultural systems through study, with a particular focus on regenerative agriculture. Studying in Canberra offers proximity to leading agricultural research and innovation centres. As a 2026 AgriFutures Horizon Scholar, supported by Hort Innovation, Edi is looking forward to exploring how science-based approaches can strengthen sustainable production systems and contributing fresh perspectives to the future of horticulture.

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James Richard Harvey

University of Tasmania

Sponsored by Hort Innovation

James Richard Harvey grew up on Sydney’s Northern Beaches before moving to Tasmania to study Agricultural Science at the University of Tasmania in Hobart. A passion for the outdoors, including surfing, hiking and mountain biking, led to an interest in careers that combine practical problem-solving with environmental stewardship. James is particularly interested in horticulture and aims to build a career across research and consultancy, with a long-term goal of operating his own farm. As a 2026 AgriFutures Horizon Scholar, supported by Hort Innovation, he is looking forward to gaining industry experience and developing practical solutions that support productive and sustainable farming systems.

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Oscar Schutz

University of Adelaide

Sponsored by Hort Innovation

Oscar Schutz was raised on his family’s vineyard in South Australia’s Barossa Valley, where early exposure to viticulture shaped his interest in horticulture. He is currently studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at the University of Adelaide, building knowledge in plant production and sustainable systems. Oscar is particularly interested in regenerative approaches that challenge conventional practices and improve both productivity and environmental outcomes. As a 2026 AgriFutures Horizon Scholar, supported by Hort Innovation, he is keen to connect with industry professionals, gain practical experience, and contribute to innovative approaches that strengthen the future of Australia’s horticulture sector.

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Maeve Lowe

University of Queensland

Sponsored by Hort Innovation

Maeve Lowe grew up in Tully, Far North Queensland, where her family produces bananas and cane, shaping her strong connection to agriculture and regional industries. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at the University of Queensland, Gatton. Maeve has a particular interest in genetic advancements across both animal and horticultural industries and is passionate about advocating for agriculture and inspiring the next generation. As a 2026 AgriFutures Horizon Scholar, she is looking forward to connecting with peers and industry leaders and gaining exposure to opportunities that support innovation and long-term sustainability in Australian agriculture.

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Ella Haack

James Cook University

Sponsored by Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC)

Ella Haack grew up in the Northern Territory, where a strong connection to fishing and the outdoor lifestyle sparked her interest in aquatic systems. Now based in north Queensland, she is completing a Bachelor of Aquaculture and plans to undertake further postgraduate study. Ella is passionate about the role aquaculture plays in food security, regional livelihoods and community connection. As a 2026 AgriFutures Horizon Scholar, supported by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), she is focused on contributing to a sustainable and resilient aquaculture industry that supports Australia’s long-term growth and environmental stewardship.

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Michael Tolhurst Peden

The University of Sydney

Sponsored by Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC)

Michael Tolhurst Peden grew up in Sydney and developed an interest in agriculture during high school. He is currently studying Plant Production and Finance at the University of Sydney, combining technical knowledge with business capability. Michael is motivated by the challenge of increasing agricultural productivity while improving environmental sustainability, and sees research and innovation as key drivers of change. As a 2026 AgriFutures Horizon Scholar, supported by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), he is looking forward to engaging with a new industry, building connections, and contributing to solutions that support sustainable and productive agricultural systems.

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Madison Isemonger

University of Sydney

Sponsored by Marine Bioproducts Cooperative Research Centre (MBCRC)

Madison Isemonger has been exposed to diverse agricultural enterprises including broadacre cropping, livestock, egg and mushroom production, shaping her understanding of innovation and resilience in the sector. Alongside her studies, she has demonstrated strong leadership through roles with the University of Sydney Agricultural Society, NSW Young Farmers and AgShows NSW. Madison currently works within the AgTech sector, supporting marketing initiatives. As a 2026 AgriFutures Horizon Scholar, supported by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), she is looking forward to expanding into a new industry and contributing to innovation, collaboration and growth across Australian agriculture.

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Sophie Jonsson

University of Queensland

Sponsored by Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC) and Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC)

Sophie Jonsson is studying a Bachelor of Agronomy at the University of Queensland, with a focus on crop production, soil health and sustainable farming systems. Growing up across mixed farming enterprises, including avocado, grain and cattle operations, has shaped her strong connection to agriculture and practical understanding of on-farm challenges. Sophie has a particular interest in crop nutrition and soil management to improve productivity and sustainability. As a 2026 AgriFutures Horizon Scholar, supported by CRDC and GRDC, she is looking forward to contributing to research and innovation that strengthens Australia’s cropping industries.

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Annalise Magill

The University of Sydney

Sponsored by Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC)

Annalise Magill grew up in a metropolitan environment but maintained strong ties to agriculture through her family’s dairy and fruit farming background. Experiences travelling through rural Australia fostered a deep respect for the role of farmers in supporting communities and the economy. She is currently studying Agricultural Science, majoring in Agricultural, Environmental and Resource Economics. Annalise is passionate about balancing environmental sustainability with food security and economic resilience. As a 2026 AgriFutures Horizon Scholar, supported by the Cotton Research and Development Corporation (CRDC), she aims to contribute to evidence-based solutions that support both farmers and natural systems.

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Judy Hopkins

University of New England

Sponsored by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA)

Judy Hopkins grew up on her family’s mixed farming enterprise in Illabo, New South Wales, where they run a Black Simmental cattle stud, sheep and cropping operations. This background sparked a strong and enduring passion for agriculture. She is currently studying a Bachelor of Agriculture and Bachelor of Business at the University of New England. Judy is particularly interested in improving meat quality and production efficiency through genetics and innovative management practices. As a 2026 AgriFutures Horizon Scholar, supported by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), she is looking forward to expanding her knowledge and contributing to a more productive and sustainable livestock industry.