RAID Career Conversations: Careers in Food Systems, Agriculture and Development – Session 2

SESSION 2  |  Friday 6 November 2026 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM (AEDT)  |  Online
REGISTER HERE

Where could your skills and experience take you next? 

Join us for the second RAID (Researchers in Agriculture for International Development) hosted Career Conversations session, bringing together professionals working across agriculture, food systems and development.

Agricultural research creates impact through collaboration and partnerships across industry, government and research organisations. This session explores how researchers can build careers that contribute to innovation and real-world outcomes. In this webinar our panellists will share how they found their way into their current roles, the choices and experiences that have shaped their careers, what organisations look for when recruiting, and what they wish they had known earlier in their careers. We will also discuss the skills that matter once you are in the workplace and how to prepare for your next career move.

Panellists

Harjeet Khanna
Non-Executive Director, AgriFutures Australia

Humera Iqbal
Program Manager-Dutch Dairy Development Centers (MEPA)

Michael Scobie 
Lecturer and Co-Lead, Agricultural Technology Adoption Team, University of Southern Queensland

Ram Upadhyaya 
Infrastructure and Service Director, Hindmarsh Shire Council

Panellist bios below.

Come along with your questions!

You can submit a question in advance when registering for the event or ask our panellists directly during the session.

Hosted by RAID (Researchers in Agriculture for International Development). RAID is a network that connects, supports and provides opportunities for people interested in agriculture and international development. To learn more about RAID, please visit the site.

Date and time: 6 November 2026, 4:00–5:30 PM (AEST)

We look forward to having you join us for the event.

Harjeet Khanna
Non-Executive Director, AgriFutures Australia

Dr Harjeet Khanna GAICD is an agricultural scientist, board director, and R&D leader with over 35 years of global experience advancing agricultural innovation and food security across Australia, India, and Africa. She currently serves as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of AgriFutures Australia, a member of the Academic Board of Astra Institute of Higher Education, an industry advisory group member for the ARC Research Hub for Protected Cropping at La Trobe University, and Managing Director at HarOMICS. Previously an Executive Manager at Sugar Research Australia, Dr Khanna brings deep governance and technical expertise across strategic R&D investment, higher education, emerging agricultural industries, and cross-sector collaboration.

Humera Iqbal
Program Manager-Dutch Dairy Development Centers (MEPA)

Humera is currently serving as Program Manager, Dutch Dairy Development Centers (Middle East, Pakistan, and Africa) at FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan. She is a results-driven Agriculture and Livestock Specialist with extensive experience in international trade, agribusiness, and development. Her expertise spans dairy and beef value chains, market development, sales and marketing, technical assistance, research, proposal development, and gender-inclusive programming. Humera has successfully led large-scale livestock and agribusiness initiatives, managed multidisciplinary teams, and forged strategic partnerships among producers, private sector stakeholders, and development agencies. Passionate about sustainable, market-oriented agriculture, she strives to improve livelihoods and drive lasting economic impact.

Michael Scobie
Lecturer and Co-Lead, Agricultural Technology Adoption Team, University of Southern Queensland

Michael is a Lecturer in Agricultural Technology and Co-Lead of the Agricultural Technology Adoption Team at the University of Southern Queensland. He brings extensive experience in agricultural technology, irrigation and water resources, research, and environmental engineering. His work focuses on improving the adoption and application of innovative agricultural technologies to support sustainable and productive farming systems. Michael has also held leadership roles in agricultural education and program development, including Program Director for the Bachelor of Agricultural Technology and Management. He actively contributes to the irrigation and agricultural sectors through professional and industry organisations, combining research, teaching and practical experience to advance agricultural innovation.

Ram Upadhyaya
Infrastructure and Service Director, Hindmarsh Shire Council

Ram is a qualified Civil Engineer with extensive experience in Victorian local government. He has led strategic infrastructure, sustainability, environmental, asset management and community initiatives, collaborating with executives, councillors, government agencies and communities. His expertise includes infrastructure planning, climate resilience, waste and resource recovery, sustainability, governance and organisational improvement. Ram is passionate about turning complex challenges into practical, sustainable outcomes. He combines technical expertise, strategic thinking and collaborative leadership to strengthen organisations, improve services and create long-term value for communities.