Dr. Michael Bairu is an Extraordinary Professor of Food Security and Safety at North West University. He is also the Principal Researcher and Research Team Manager for Root and Tuber Crops Research at the Agricultural Research Council. Dr. Bairu holds a PhD in Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology (biotechnology focus) and has over 25 years of work experience in agricultural R&D and rural development across all sectors of employment. Dr. Bairu worked as a Rural Development Practitioner with UNDP in Ethiopia; agricultural research (horticulture) and genetic resources management in Eritrea; as a research student and later as a research fellow with UKZN, South Africa; as a Senior Scientist in Forest Molecular Genetics and Tree Breeding at the Institute for Commercial Forestry Research South Africa, and currently works with the ARC in research and research management. Dr. Bairu is a well-published scientist and has managed several R&D projects working very well with multidisciplinary teams, often involving multiple institutions.