In the mid-1970s, Ross graduated from UWA with 1st class honours in Agricultural Science, majoring in agricultural economics. He then worked for many years in the WA state government’s Department of Agriculture, during which time he gained a Masters degree and then in his forties, with scholarship support, gained a PhD, all at UWA.
The then Head of Agricultural and Resource Economics at UWA enticed him to return to UWA as a fractional employee (1 day a week). On repeatedly renewed 3-year contracts, Ross worked 1 day a week at UWA from 1998 until this year, mostly engaged in research supervision and some teaching. His complementary employment was 1 day a week with the state government’s Department of Agriculture and 3 days a week for a not-for-profit company, the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre. So for many years Ross Kingwell had 3 separate employers.
Most important experiences while at UWA
Learning about the dark side of humanity (e.g. Seeing poisonous ambition at work, Seeing the consequences of purposefully destructive criticism)
Learning about the buoyant side of humanity (e.g. great teachers unveiling the science of communication and the value of fair criticism, witnessing the skill of great writing)
Where did you think you would end up, when you began your career?
I thought I would always be an applied agricultural economist in a government department, eventually moving into a senior role. Nothing grandiose in that aspiration.
What are some of your most significant achievements?
- Farm modelling to guide researchers, policymakers and farmers,
- Researcher training,
- Creation of plant variety end point royalties
What has been the most interesting aspect of your career?
Sharing the journey with collegiate colleagues and some gifted students.
Where are you planning to go from here? Are there new interests you are looking to get involved in?
- More music,
- More but different study,
- A bit more physical exercise,
- More family child care support!