Food security institute names chief executive

Saskatoon, SK – Agricultural research scientist Dr. Maurice Moloney has been appointed executive director and CEO of the Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS). He began his work with the organization today.

For more than 25 years, Dr. Moloney’s career in plant research has fostered innovations that span across industry, academia and the public sector. He was previously with Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) where he led a team working on science-based solutions to address major global challenges such as the need to increase sustainable agricultural productivity.

“I am excited about the tremendous opportunities GIFS offers not just to me but to Saskatchewan, Canada and the world. The challenge of food security continues to dominate global discussions and impacts all of us as producers and consumers,” said Dr. Moloney. “Saskatchewan is a major contributor to global research and innovation and the Institute will leverage these and other resources to enhance food systems and production that address global food security challenges and the future of food and nutrition. I am looking forward to returning to Canada and making Saskatoon my home.”

Prior to CSIRO, Dr. Moloney was the director and chief executive officer of Rothamsted Research, one of the oldest and largest agricultural research centres in Europe.

He also held positions with the University of Calgary where he was the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Industrial Research Chair in plant biotechnology.

“We are pleased to have Dr. Moloney, a respected and internationally recognized scientist, lead the Institute. He brings agricultural research expertise and organizational building skills that will help take GIFS to the next level both here in Canada and internationally,” said Dallas Howe, chair of the GIFS’ Board of Directors. “Under his leadership, we know the Institute will grow as a substantial contributor of solutions to the global issue of food security.”

GIFS was established in December 2012 through the collaboration of PotashCorp, the Government of Saskatchewan and the University of Saskatchewan. With initial commitments of up to $35 million from PotashCorp and $15 million from Saskatchewan over seven years, the institute addresses the increasing global demand for safe, reliable and nutritious food. It is housed at the University of Saskatchewan.