SARDI's capability profile

SARDI's capability profiles highlight key achievements and research activities that each research division is involved with.

SARDI Overview

The South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) is SA’s leading research and development organisation delivering innovation in the living sciences.

A principal research institute for the SA State Government, SARDI’s role is to provide solutions that drive economic development in the food, fibre, bioscience industries and enhance the ecosystem sector.

Highly skilled scientists supported by state-of-the art facilities create opportunities for market growth, while increasing the productivity, sustainability, and adaptability of SA’s food and environmental industries. 

Expertise

SARDI offers an impressive multi-disciplinary research capability with science expertise organised through key research sectors:

Aquatic Sciences with science program areas focusing on algal production systems; aquaculture; inland waters and catchment ecology; marine environment and ecology; oceanography; and wild fisheries.

Innovative Food and Plants with science program areas focusing on food innovation value chain; food safety; gene function; new variety agronomy; oat and vetch; pulses and oilseeds; wheat and barley.

Livestock and Farming Systems with science program areas focusing on farming systems; grazing production systems; intensive livestock production systems;  integrated biosystems; livestock genetics and breeding; pasture improvement.

Sustainable Systems with science program areas focusing on climate applications; entomology;  farming systems; plant and soil health; viticulture; and water resources and irrigated crops;. 

Momentum through collaboration

SARDI is a leading focus for business and industries to initiate collaborative research planning with universities, research organisations, cooperative research centres and industry partnerships. Since 2000 SARDI has attracted more than $150 million in external research grants and commercial receipts. 

Commercialising research

SARDI is committed to the principal aim of more effectively delivering research services and outcomes, reflected in a successful track record in commercialisation. Strategic links with other government agencies including Rural Solutions SA and Natural Resources Management Boards ensure that research solutions are delivered on the ground. 

SARDI facilities

SARDI pursues excellence through an extensive network of research centres, laboratories and field sites. Regional sites provide significant opportunities for regional employment, community capacity building, technology transfer and industry development.

  • Clare Crop Improvement Centre
  • Diagnostic Services Centre, Waite Campus
  • Flaxley Agricultural Centre
  • Glenside Laboratories: Food Safety, Parasitology and Biochemistry
  • Kybybolite Trial Sites
  • Lenswood Agricultural Centre
  • Lincoln Marine Science Centre
  • Roseworthy Campus: Livestock Systems Alliance, Pig and Poultry Production Institute, Integrated Biosystems Laboratories
  • Loxton Agricultural Centre
  • Minnipa Agricultural Centre
  • Mount Gambier Aquatic Sciences
  • Nuriootpa Agricultural Centre
  • Port Lincoln Crop Improvement Centre
  • South Australian Aquatic Sciences Centre, West Beach
  • Struan Agricultural Centre
  • Turretfield Research Centre
  • Waite Research Precinct: Plant Research Centre and campus-wide shared research facilities.

Key contacts at SARDI

Affiliate Prof Pauline Mooney - Executive Director, SARDI
Tel: +61 8 8303 9398 Fax: + 61 8 8303 9403
E-mail: pauline.mooney@sa.gov.au

Dr Qifeng Ye - A/Chief Aquatic Sciences
Tel: +61 8 8207 5447 
E-mail: qifeng.ye@sa.gov.au

Dr Andrew Pointon - Chief Innovative Food and Plants
Tel: +61 8 8303 9434 Fax: +61 8 8303 9669
E-mail: andrew.pointon@sa.gov.au

Professor Simon Maddocks - Director Science Partnerships and Chief Livestock and Farming Systems
Tel: +61 8 8303 7666 Fax: +61 8 8303 7663
E-mail: simon.maddocks@sa.gov.au

Dr Kathy Ophel-Keller - Research Chief, Sustainable Systems
Tel: +61 8 8303 9417 Fax: +61 8 8303 9424
E-mail: kathy.ophelkeller@sa.gov.au

Mr Dave Stewart - General Manager Business Support
Tel: +61 8 8303 9328 Fax: +61 8 8303 9309
E-mail:  dave.stewart@sa.gov.au

SARDI Capability Profile (.PDF - Printable version)

Visit Aquatic Sciences

Visit Innovative Food and Plants

Visit Livestock and Farming Systems

Visit Sustainable Sytems