Simon McKirdy

Professor Simon McKirdy has extensive experience covering corporate leadership, research management, policy development and the management of biosecurity operations within the government and private sectors.

He has international expertise in biosecurity and, in particular, plant biosecurity. He completed his PhD in Plant Pathology at the University of Western Australia.

His career has included the roles of Quarantine Plant Pathologist for the State and Commonwealth Government, Program Manager at Plant Health Australia, CEO of the Australian Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre, and Biosecurity Science and Risk Manager, Chevron Australia. He currently holds the role of Deputy Vice Chancellor Global Engagement. He recently retired from the board of Plant Health Australia, and held a term as Chairperson of the Western Australian Biosecurity Council. He is a Fulbright Fellow.