Steven J.R. Underhill

Professor Steven J.R. Underhill is a Professor of Horticulture and Director of the Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research (ACPIR) at the University of the Sunshine Coast. He holds adjunct roles at Fiji National University and Solomon Islands National University, and is a Principal Research Fellow at Samoa’s Scientific Research Organization. His research focuses on postharvest horticulture in developing countries, particularly in the Pacific Islands, addressing food security and poverty alleviation through improved supply chain development. He has a PhD and BSc(Hons) from Queensland institutions.

Research areas include subtropical/tropical postharvest systems, food loss reduction, and agribusiness strategies. Major grants include ACIAR-funded projects like 'Enhanced Fruit Systems for Tonga and Samoa' (A$1.2M) and 'Pacific Agribusiness Research for Development Initiative Phase 2' (A$1.6M). He has authored over 100 outputs, including guides like Better Postharvest Handling for Samoan Smallholder Farmers.

• Awards: Australian Day Medal (2010)
• Professional Affiliations: International Society for Horticultural Science (Commission on Quality & Postharvest Horticulture)

Teaching focuses on Pacific horticulture, tropical postharvest technologies, and sustainable supply chains. Supervises Honours and PhD students, including notable advisees like Mereia Fong Lomavatu (PhD 2018) and Shalendra Prasad (PhD 2024).

Labs/Teams: Leads ACPIR and collaborates with Fiji National University, World Vegetable Centre, and regional institutions. Research emphasizes sensor-based assessments, dwarfing breadfruit genetics, and participatory community approaches.