Charles Darwin University’s Director of the School for Social and Policy Research, Professor Daniela Stehlik has been appointed as the Chair of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC).
The Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Tony Burke, has announced Professor Stehlik’s appointment to the statutory authority, which focuses on research and development investment across a broad range of new and emerging rural industries.
As the inaugural Director of the University’s new Northern Institute, this appointment will enable Professor Stehlik to undertake extensive consultation with industry to increase knowledge that fosters a sustainable, productive and profitable rural sector.
Professor Stehlik is one of Australia's leading social scientists in the areas of sustainability, human service practice and social cohesion with a focus on families and communities in regional/rural Australia.
In 2008, Professor Stehlik completed an appointment as a member of the Expert Panel on the Social Impacts of Drought for the Federal Minister of Agriculture’s Review of National Drought Policy. In the same year, she was an invited participant in the Australia 2020 Summit and to the National Rural Women’s Summit.
In her new role, Professor Stehlik will host the 2010 National Rural Women’s Award National Reception at Parliament House on May 25th.