The NFFC’s Research Working Group (RWG) is responsible for identifying and recommending high-level research priorities that support the implementation of the National Fruit Fly Strategy (NFFS) in the short-, medium-, and long-term.

The RWG is also responsible for identifying key strategies that align with research priorities and enable implementation. Additionally, the RWG will maintain an ongoing overview of the broader network of fruit fly-related research, development, and extension work. This will inform emerging research opportunities and help identify the need for further development of existing research.

Research priorities will be developed through an ongoing engagement process, incorporating input from various stakeholders across the national fruit fly system. This includes, but is not limited to, other NFFC working or task groups, research agencies, delivery partners, fruit fly-related research program governance groups (for example FASTA), industry representatives, and government agencies. These priorities will assist the NFFC in providing strategic advice on the implementation of the NFFS and prioritising research investment opportunities.

Key outputs for the RWG will include involvement in the development and implementation of the:

• NFFS RD&E Plan 2026-35
• NFFS 3-year rolling Operational Plan
• NFFS Annual Priorities (Gap Analysis).

RWG members are:

• Prof Phil Taylor (Macquarie University)
• Dr Penny Measham (FASTA Director)
• Dr Greg Chandler (Hort Innovation)
• Prof Markus Riegler (Western Sydney University)
• Dr Rieks Van Klinken (CSIRO)
• Gary Leeson (Organic Crop Protectants)
• Dr Paul Cunningham (Agriculture Victoria)
• Matt Calverley (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry)
• Dr Katharina Merkel (PIRSA / Australian Fruit Fly Technical Advisory Committee)
• David Daniels (Citrus Australia)
• Stuart Burgess (Plant Health Australia / NFFC)