Dr Simon Hearn

Dr Simon Hearn is ACIAR’s Senior Adviser, responsible for coordinating activities and contributions to research and development partners. The position also oversees agency planning and is responsible for stakeholder relations, and manages the Agricultural Development Policy program.

Dr Hearn has a BSc (Hons) in Agriculture and Economics from Reading University and a PhD in Agricultural Economics from London University. He has worked in agricultural and mining policy development and economic analysis both nationally and internationally. Dr Hearn has also occupied a number of senior research and senior executive positions and led Government and industry delegations negotiating trade and commodity matters in Europe, Asia, America and Africa, including as the Australian Agricultural Minister in the Australian Mission to the European Union. He has served on a number of boards and councils including the Energy Research and Development Corporation, the BHP Coal Research Council, the Australian Meat and Livestock Corporation and the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation. Dr Hearn has also worked for ABARE, Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Australia, the Minister for Employment, Education and Training and was most recently the Managing Director of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation.

Contact details:

Phone:02 6217 0547

hearn@aciar.gov.au