Fernanda Dreccer

Dr. Fernanda Dreccer is a Senior Research Scientist at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia. She leads key projects such as 'Better Irrigated Wheat Germplasm' (GRDC) and 'More productive wheat for warmer environments' (CSIRO Strategic Investment), focusing on crop physiology and breeding to enhance yield under abiotic stresses.

Her academic qualifications include:

• Doctorate in Crop Science, Wageningen University, The Netherlands (1999)
• MSc in Crop Science, Wageningen University, The Netherlands (1994)
• Bachelor of Agronomy Engineering (majoring in Plant Breeding and Crop Physiology), University of Buenos Aires, Argentina (1990)

Dr. Dreccer's research expertise spans crop physiology, plant breeding, and phenomics, with a focus on wheat and pulse crops. She integrates crop simulation modelling and physiological approaches to develop strategies for improving yield potential and adaptation to abiotic stresses, including heat, drought, and frost. Her work in high-throughput phenotyping and biomarker development aims to accelerate breeding for climate-resilient varieties.

Her scientific contributions have been recognized with the following awards:

• Agriculture and Food Director’s Award in the category Inclusion and Diversity (CSIRO, 2017)
• Fellowship from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (2014)
• Grant for the Promotion of Women in Science (National Institute for Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, Japan, 2011)

Dr. Dreccer has secured significant research funding from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), Bayer Crop Science, and international partners for projects spanning 2012 to 2027. These projects address critical challenges in wheat and pulse production, including frost and heat stress mitigation, water productivity, and adaptation to northern Australian conditions. She also serves on the editorial boards of Scientific Reports (Nature), Crop and Pasture Science, and Frontiers in Plant Science.

She holds leadership roles in the global wheat research community as Chair of the Wheat Initiative's Expert Working Group on Adaptation to Abiotic Stress, member of the International Wheat Congress Organising Committee, and member of the Scientific Steering Committee for the Alliance for Wheat Adaptation to Heat and Drought. Additionally, she serves on the GRDC Northern Panel.