AI in science: the promise, perils and path forward – AI and our food

Seed-planting farmbots, pest-detecting drones, and robotic noses for evaluating wine and beer: the future of food production and farming is high tech.

AI has the potential to boost the sustainability and efficiency of Australian agriculture. It can selectively control weeds, saving on herbicide use. It can figure out the perfect time to water a crop, and identify grapes damaged by bushfire smoke.

Join us to hear from two expert speakers at the cutting edge:

• Associate Professor Sigfredo Fuentes develops high-tech digital instruments for agriculture, food and wine at the University of Melbourne. He’s also an investigator at the Plants for Space ARC Centre of Excellence, creating a stellar menu for the astronauts of the future.
• A postdoctoral fellow at CSIRO, Dr Sarah Hartman is using deep learning to develop an AI agronomist. She’s working with farmers and other stakeholders to design a model that works for and with the people who produce our food.

 Come along and get a taste of the future of food.

Event details

Date: Tuesday 12 August 2025 

Time: Canapes and drinks are served from 5.30pm, with the talks (and the livestream) starting at 6.00pm AEST.

Venue: The Shine Dome, 15 Gordon Street, Acton ACT (and online livestream)

Cost: $20pp ($15pp for students) 

Speakers

Associate Professor Sigfredo Fuentes, University of Melbourne 

Sigfredo’s primary research interests revolve around the utilisation of cutting-edge instrumentation for plant physiology research. His expertise lies in the application of various advanced techniques, including short-range, airborne and satellite remote sensing; near-infrared spectroscopy; infrared thermography; and sap flow sensors. He has contributed to the development of computer programs for agricultural research and practical applications, the establishment of novel methodologies to assess plant physiology and growth through image analysis and innovative instrumentation, and the implementation of artificial intelligence in agriculture, food, wine and animal sciences.

Dr Sarah Hartman, CSIRO

Sarah is a CSIRO Early Research Career (CERC) Postdoctoral Fellow with a focus on ‘Developing a trusted AI agronomist’. The project couples deep learning with the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM), a biophysical agricultural model. It also involves stakeholder engagement to identify key considerations for a trustworthy and successful agronomist.

Sarah has spent her career working in environmental engineering and science, where she designs and executes low- and high-technology projects focusing on water, agriculture and community-led growth in collaboration with public and private sector stakeholders. Sarah is passionate about making science and technology accessible to the public via thoughtful translation. She also has a strong commitment to improving technical issues through a cultural and policy lens.

Series details

Series dates

The events are held at the Shine Dome in Canberra on the second Tuesday of every second month:

Tuesday 11 February: What is AI?
Tuesday 8 April: AI and our health 
Tuesday 10 June: AI and our environment 
Tuesday 12 August: AI and our food 
Tuesday 14 October: AI and our safety 
Tuesday 9 December: AI in science and research 

Series host

The Academy is pleased to welcome ABC's Lish Fejer as the host for all the events across this series. As a seasoned radio broadcaster and passionate science communicator, Lish will deliver illuminating sessions with her engaging style and thought-provoking questions.

Series convenors

Thank you to the convenors supporting the series in 2025:

• Professor Bob Graham AO FAA FAHMS, Vice President and Secretary for Biological Sciences, Australian Academy of Science 
• Professor Ian Chubb AC FAA FTSE, Fellow, Australian Academy of Science

Series supporters 

For more information about the series and the other events, please visit the series webpage. For all enquiries, please email events@science.org.au.