Katie wins cotton award

A highlight of the biennial cotton conference is the Australian Cotton Industry Awards dinner.

One of the winners announced on the night was Narrabri’s Dr Katie Broughton, a research scientist with CSIRO Agriculture and Food, who was named the Cotton Seed Distributors Researcher of the Year.

“I’m honoured to receive the 2026 CSD Researcher of the Year Award,” Dr Broughton said.

“This recognition reflects the support of many colleagues, growers, consultants and industry collaborators who have contributed to the research over the years.

“It’s particularly rewarding to see research focused on improving production, resilience and sustainability of Australian cotton systems recognised in this way.”

Dr Broughton was recognised for her work on how cotton production systems respond to climate variability and environmental stress, helping growers better manage seasonal risk in a changing climate.

Over the past 19 years, Dr Broughton’s field and controlled-environment research has improved the industry’s understanding of cotton responses to environmental conditions, water-use efficiency, and crop management, with her current work exploring plant growth regulators that may provide new management tools for both irrigated and rainfed cotton systems.

Dr Broughton currently leads projects investigating innovative approaches, including the use of novel plant growth regulators to improve cotton productivity and resilience under variable growing conditions.

Her work not only advances scientific knowledge but also provides practical strategies to help growers adapt to environmental challenges and climate variability.

Locally, Dr Broughton is well regarded for her strong relationships with growers and industry, and for mentoring the next generation of researchers and agricultural professionals.

Three local scientists, including Dr Broughton, whose work is shaping the future of Australian cotton were named finalists in the 2026 CSD Researcher of the Year award category.

The other two local finalists were Dr Shiming Liu, principal research scientist at CSIRO Agriculture and Food and Dr Gunasekhar (Guna) Nachimuthu, senior research scientist (sustainable soils), Climate and Natural Resources Division of the NSW Department of

Primary Industries and Regional Development, Australian Cotton Research Institute.

The award acknowledges outstanding contribution to the Australian cotton industry through research, development or extension work, with excellence in innovation, impact and commitment to advancement.