Dr Nick Austin

Dr Nick Austin is Chief Executive Officer of ACIAR. He took up the position in July 2009.

As CEO, Dr Austin is responsible for developing and implementing ACIAR’s strategic and operational plans, and for managing the Centre’s operational functions

Dr Austin joins ACIAR from the NSW Department of Primary Industries where he was Deputy Director-General and led the Department’s Agriculture, Biosecurity and Mine Safety Division. Prior to that he led the Department’s Science and Research Division and undertook or managed research projects across several areas including dairy, cotton, grain, livestock and wool. Dr Austin has also held senior positions in the Victorian public sector and he has participated in high-level inter-jurisdictional committees and worked collaboratively with a number of peak industry bodies.

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. Born in 1968, he is married with two children.