John Allwright, a farmer from Tasmania served on both the Board of Management and Policy Advisory Council of ACIAR. His contribution to Australian and international agricultural research was outstanding, having also served as head of the National Farmers' Federation. The fellowship scheme that carries his name was originally known as the ACIAR/AIDAB Fellowships, but was renamed in 1994 in honour of Mr John Allwright to recognise the outstanding contribution he made to ACIAR.
When the scheme was renamed, the then Director of ACIAR, Dr George Rothschild said, ‘John Allwright brought to our meetings a wealth of experience from the Australian farming scene and a knowledge of agricultural research and development. He combined this with a comprehensive understanding of the interrelationships between agriculture and world trade. I welcome this opportunity to honour his contribution to the Centre through this perpetual association the Fellowships Scheme.’