Animal science researcher and teacher Professor John Pluske has been appointed Chief Scientist and CEO of the Australasian Pork Research Institute Limited (APRIL), an independent research funding body.

Professor Pluske will commit more than half his time to the position at APRIL whilst maintaining his academic role and duties at Murdoch. He will be stepping down as President of Murdoch’s Academic Council.

Professor Pluske will lead APRIL to continue the collaborative approach to research and development that has distinguished the work of the Cooperative Research Centre for High Integrity Australian Pork (Pork CRC). The CRC’s work is due to conclude in June 2019.

APRIL will seek to partner with industry and educational institutions to ensure the delivery of research outcomes to the Australian pork industry, he said.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of building on the great work of the Pork CRC, and ensuring the delivery of research-backed solutions to this industry,” Professor Pluske said.

“My role will also deliver benefits to Murdoch University’s program of research and teaching in animal agriculture, as it will help me to forge new partnerships and collaborations that will benefit our students and scientists.”

Murdoch University Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation David Morrison said the appointment was a win-win situation for Murdoch and the pork industry.

“Murdoch is committed to world-leading, industry-connected research in agriculture,” he said.

“Professor Pluske’s appointment will mean we have one of our most prominent researchers leading developments at the interface between industry and research, which can only benefit our research capability and our students.”

Since he joined Murdoch in 1999, Professor Pluske has held several leadership positions, including director of the Animal Research Institute and Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Development) on two occasions.

Between August 2014 and February 2015, Professor Pluske was the Australian-American Fulbright Commission’s Inaugural Distinguished Chair in Agriculture and Life Sciences, based at Kansas State University. He has been President of Academic Council since March 2015.

His research includes studies into the nutrition and digestive physiology of pigs, and alternatives to antimicrobials in piglet diets.

Professor Pluske began his role at APRIL on 17 September.