Prof. Simon McKirdy completed his Doctorate in agricultural science and plant pathology at the University of Western Australia in 1997. He is currently the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Harry Butler Institute and Professor in Biosecurity at Murdoch University. He has extensive experience covering corporate leadership, research management, policy development and the management of biosecurity operations within the government and private sectors. His career has included the roles of Quarantine Plant Pathologist for the State and Commonwealth governments; Program Manager at Plant Health Australia; eight years as CEO of the Australian Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre; and Biosecurity Science and Risk Manager at Chevron Australia. He has international expertise in biosecurity and, in particular, plant biosecurity.