Dr. Sivakumar Sukumaran is a Research Leader at Agriculture Science and Technology at Agriculture Australia, which is a senior leadership role to shape the strategic direction, scientific excellence, and long term impact of the Molecular Plant Breeding unit within the Plant Sciences branch of Agriculture Victoria's Science and Technology (AST) division. He leads a team of 2 scientists and 8 technical staff to deliver genetic gains in cereals, pulses and oil seeds.

He was a Senior Research Scientist and Senior Genebank Curator at the Australian Grains Genebank, Australia where he provided strategic leadership in research and innovation to advance the conservation, management, and utilisation of plant genetic resources. He has extensive expertise in leveraging genetic resources through quantitative genetics, genomics, crop physiology, and pre-breeding, developed across internationally recognised institutions including the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Mexico, The University of Queensland, Australia, Clemson University and Kansas State University, USA.

Dr. Sukumaran holds a Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Kansas State University, a Master’s degree in Plant Breeding and Genetics from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India and a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from Kerala Agricultural University, India.

Editorial board appointments

Recognition and awards

Membership