Scientist’s zest for biosecurity research earns national recognition
24 Nov 2025
The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is celebrating its own Dr Nerida Donovan on being awarded the Dr Kim Ritman Award for Science and Innovation at the National Biosecurity Awards in Canberra.
The Dr Kim Ritman Award recognises an outstanding individual as an ambassador for science and innovation, and Dr Donovan’s world-class work in citrus diseases made her a clear choice.
Dr Donovan has coordinated the Citrus Pathology Program at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI) for more than 25 years.
She and her team are considered the premier laboratory in Australia for the detection, identification, classification and management of citrus pathogens, playing a crucial role in assisting government and industry to combat biosecurity threats.
Dr Donovan has travelled extensively, sharing her knowledge with farmers and scientists, to reduce the impact of disease and maximise fruit production.
Dr Donovan and her team also work closely with the Auscitrus propagation scheme to ensure the citrus industry has access to ‘high health status’ propagation material to prevent orchard infections, as well as enhancing our preparedness for exotic threats before their arrival in the country.
In 2019, her peers elected her Chair of the International Organization of Citrus Virologists. In this capacity, she organised their 2025 conference in Mildura, giving Australian growers and scientists direct access to international experts on our key citrus biosecurity threats.
This is not the first time Dr Donovan’s work has earned high praise. In 2019 she was presented with the Lester Burgess Award for Diagnostics and Extension by the Australasian Plant Pathology Society, and the Service to Industry Award at the Citrus Australia Technical Forum. These awards acknowledged her work to enhance the preparedness of industry and government.
Her latest recognition is especially meaningful as Dr Donovan had the honour of working with Dr Kim Ritman, who was Australia’s Chief Plant Protection Officer before his passing in 2020.
NSW DPIRD’s Dr Nerida Donovan said:
“It’s an honour to be recognised, especially with an award named after someone I had the pleasure of working with in the biosecurity arena.”
“I am proud of the work the Citrus Pathology Program team delivers and the key role we play, both nationally and internationally.”
“I joined the department in 1999 and have had the privilege of developing and coordinating a citrus pathology program which undertakes research, diagnostics, extension and industry service work across the biosecurity spectrum.”
“We work on prevention, detection, eradication and management of all citrus diseases.”
“My hope is that this award will raise awareness of the important work that is being undertaken in Australia on citrus biosecurity that has been supported by both industry and government.”
Media contact: pi.media@dpird.nsw.gov.au
