Dr Christopher Proud (Chris) is the senior rice breeder with Rice Breeding Australia Ltd (RBA), and is based in Leeton, NSW. He is responsible for leading the breeding program to develop new varieties for the Australian rice industry. Over the past two years, Chris has led the modernisation of the Australian rice breeding program to dramatically increase the rate of genetic gain and improve outcomes for growers across both long-term profitability and water productivity of their rice production systems. Chris has more than a decade’s experience in rice research and development previously with University of Queensland where he also completed his PhD and was a post-doctoral research fellow exploring methods to improve breeding efficiencies in rice prior to commencing his role at RBA. Prior to joining RBA Chris’ previous roles were technically focused and he has enjoyed developing his managerial and leadership skills over the past two years. Chris hopes to participate in the Australian Rural Leadership Program to further accelerate his leadership skills to allow him to lead not only his team at RBA but to also provide leadership to the Australia rice industry as it grapples with significant long term sustainability challenges.
Dr Christopher Proud
