Outstanding Alumnus of the Year (December 2024)

Graduating in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science), Larelle McMillan was one of UniSC’s first graduates in environmental science, co-establishing UniSC’s first environment ‘club’. Her passion for science and how it can contribute to evidence-based policy development has continued throughout her career. Larelle has worked with Qld Government, NGOs, the private sector, run her own consultancy, pursued post-graduate study and now leads a team of 110 researchers as Research Director of CSIRO’s Sustainability program in Agriculture and Food. She has catalysed and designed over $20 million worth of research opportunities for the nation, building investment with partners focused on agri-food system sustainability, both nationally and in developing nations. Prior to her current role, Larelle co-managed the Africa Food Security Initiative, a $40 million program over 6 years to improve food and nutrition security and policy influence, supporting deep capacity in African science and innovation leadership.