The sixth biennial Australian Cotton Research Conference will be held from 26-28 August 2025 at Narrabri’s Crossing Theatre.
The research conference, run by the Association of Australian Cotton Scientists (AACS) with support from CRDC, serves as a platform for cotton researchers to present and discuss concepts, key issues and the latest findings in research relevant to the Australian cotton industry. It also encourages networking and collaboration across the cotton research community and imparts a sense of enthusiasm for research.
The theme for the 2025 Conference is ‘Innovation from the ground up’.
Chair of this year’s conference committee, CSIRO plant breeder Dr Warren Conaty, said the theme reflects the nature of research in the cotton industry, and the work scientists carry out from the paddock to the lab and beyond.
“Our confirmed plenary speakers really speak to this theme and the vast nature of cotton research and innovation,” Warren said.
“We are thrilled to be hosting international speaker Jonathan F. Wendel from Iowa State University to deliver a presentation on the evolutionary history of cotton, and Dr Alison Kelly from the Qld Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI) and Anthony Hawes from AgBiTech, both of whom are speaking to the importance of making an impact through research.
“Abstract submissions for five or 15-minute talks are now also open and we’ve been impressed with the range of topics put forward for consideration so far.”
CRDC is a major sponsor
CRDC is proud to once again be a major sponsor of the Conference and has travel bursaries available for researchers. CRDC Innovation Broker Rachel Holloway will also support early career scientists and university students through a range of networking and information activities over the course of the Conference.
The Conference kicks off with a welcome reception at the Narrabri Bowling Club on the Monday evening. A twilight tour of the Australian Cotton Research Institute (ACRI) will run on the Wednesday evening, with the Conference dinner and awards evening on Thursday. All social events and catering during the conference are included in the full Conference registration fee.
Registrations and abstract submissions are open via the AACS website.
