Dr Gary Fitt, Deputy Chief of Entomology.

Dr Gary Fitt: Deputy Chief, CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences

Dr Gary Fitt is Deputy Chief of Ecosystem Sciences and has extensive experience in agricultural sustainability and the interface between natural and managed environments.

• 25 August 2010 | Updated 14 October 2011

Overview

• Current activities
• Background
• Academic qualifications
• Achievements

Current activities

Dr Gary Fitt leads research on the Helicoverpa moth, which aims to develop a greater understanding of the moth’s ecology and pest management.

His research in insect movement, migration and host plant resistance has greatly assisted in the development of Helicoverpa resistance management.

Dr Fitt’s research on the performance and management of genetically modified Bt cotton varieties has provided the basis for current resistance management strategies in Australia.

Dr Fitt's research interests are:

• ecology, behaviour, modelling and management of Helicoverpa species in multi-cropping systems
• integrated pest management (IPM) systems for sustainable crop production
• field and laboratory studies of host plant resistance of cotton
• performance evaluation and resistance management strategies for transgenic cottons and other crops
• agricultural sustainability and the interface of natural and managed environments.

Background

Dr Fitt has held many roles over his career, including:

• Experimental Scientist, CSIRO Entomology, Darwin, Northern Territory, 1977-79
• Senior Research Scientist, CSIRO Plant Industry, Narrabri Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO Entomology, Narrabri, New South Wales, 1983-86
• Senior Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO Entomology, Narrabri, 1990-2004
• Officer in Charge and Program Leader, CSIRO Cotton Research Unit, Narrabri, 1990-99
• Program Leader, Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Sustainable Cotton Production, Narrabri, 1993-99
• Chief Executive Officer, Australian Cotton Cooperative Research Centre (CRC), Narrabri, 1999-2003
• Strategy Director, CSIRO Entomology, Brisbane, Queensland, 2003-06
• Assistant Chief, CSIRO Entomology, Canberra, 2006-07.

Academic qualifications

Dr Fitt has been awarded a:

• Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours from The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
• Doctor of Philosophy, also from The University of Sydney.

Achievements

Dr Fitt has played a lead role in international efforts to ensure the sustainable use of genetically modified (GM) crops globally.

His work has been recognised in many ways including:

• ATSE Clunies Ross Award, for application of science to the economic, social or environmental wellbeing of Australia, 2006
• Mackerras Medal, Australian Entomological Society, for excellence in entomological research, 2002
• Centenary Medal, Commonwealth of Australia, for service to science, 2002
• Fellow, Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, 2001
• Sir Ian McLennan Certificate of Commendation, for contributions to industry, 1999
• Cotton Industry Researcher of the Year, 1993
• Jabez Hayden King Memorial Prize for the most meritorious Doctorate awarded in the School of Biological Sciences, 1984-85.

Dr Fitt was made an:

• Adjunct Professor of the School of Rural Science and Ecosystem Management at the University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, in 2001
• Adjunct Professor of the Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, at The University of Sydney in 2002.

Dr Fitt is also a member of the following professional societies:

• Royal Entomological Society of London
• Australian Entomological Society
• British Ecological Society
• Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering.

Learn more about CSIRO's research into Pest Management.