Advance The
Knowledge
Sustainable Grains
Industry
Career Development
Support
Positive Impact
To Industry
76th Australasian Grain Science Conference
Grain Diversity and Resilience Towards 2050
26-28 August 2026
The Brighton Hotel - MGallery, Sydney, Australia
AGSA is pleased to announce its 76th Annual Conference, Grain Diversity and Resilience Towards 2050, to be held from 26 to 28 August 2026 at the stunning, newly-renovated Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection (formerly Novotel Brighton).
The official conference themes have now been finalised, with nine key focus areas selected to guide presentations and discussions throughout the program. These themes reflect some of the most significant trends, challenges, and opportunities currently shaping grain science. By focusing the program around these topics, we aim to deliver a relevant, forward-looking, and engaging experience for all participants. The event will provide a valuable forum for sharing new ideas, discussing recent findings, and fostering collaborations that extend beyond the conference.
The official conference themes are:
- Economic and climate perspectives on grain production in Australia
- Digital agriculture for grain production: Technologies and benefits
- Advanced breeding for sustainable grain production
- Grain development and germination: Cutting-edge approaches in microscopy and omics
- Assessment of grain quality: Current and future perspectives
- Ancient grains: Properties, potential and Indigenous perspectives
- Grain nutrition for humans and animals: Macro- and micronutrients
- Grain processing: Challenges and technologies for foods and beverages
- Sustainable grain utilisation: Insights into innovative food products and co-product valorisation
With the themes now confirmed, participants are invited to begin preparing their research for submission. Contributions from researchers at all career stages, from students to established scientists, are vital to the success of the conference. Presenting at #AGSA26 offers an excellent opportunity to receive feedback, expand professional networks, and contribute to advancing our collective understanding of grain science.
We encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity to showcase their work and engage with the broader grain science community. We look forward to a diverse and stimulating program built around these themes.
Key dates
- Conference dates: 26-28 August 2026
- Abstract submission opens: 16 February 2026
- Abstract submission closes: 18 May 2026
- Notifications to presenters: 15-19 June 2026
- Early-bird registration opens: 1 May 2026
- Early-bird registration closes: 31 July 2026
- Application for Student Conference Attendance Awards closes: 18 May 2026
Dr Ali Khoddami and A/Prof Thomas Roberts
Co-Chairs of the #AGSA26 Organising Committee
Conference Venue
This year’s conference will be held at The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery Collection (formerly Novotel Brighton). https://thebrightonsydney.com.au/
Located adjacent to the lovely Brighton Beach and just minutes from Sydney Airport, the hotel offers a stunning beach setting with convenient access via public transport and close proximity to a range of restaurants. Get ready for an inspiring conference and a fantastic seaside experience!
Accommodation
Staying at the conference venue
The Brighton Hotel Sydney – MGallery (15% discount)
The conference venue, The Brighton Hotel Sydney, is offering a 15% discount on the best available flexible, unrestricted room-only rate at the time of booking. This discount is valid only when booking directly with the hotel and does not apply to third-party websites. Delegates are required to contact the hotel directly to arrange their own accommodation. Room types and rates are subject to availability at the time of booking, and no rooms are being held under an open block. Breakfast is available at $48 per person per day.
To access the discounted rate, delegates must contact the hotel directly on 02 9556 5111 and quote the promotion code 2608UNISYD.
Other accommodation option
The Novotel Airport (10% discount)
Please note that the hotel is not holding rooms specifically for this conference, and all rates and room types are subject to availability.
Australasian Grain Science Association – Novotel Sydney Airport Exclusive Rate
Conference Program
Planning is in progress for an exciting program at the 76th Australasian Grain Science Conference. Below is a draft program – stay tuned for further updates!
Invited Speakers
Find out more about our speakers and
their expertise by clicking the profile below
Sonia Liu
University of Sydney, Australia
Sonia Liu
University of Sydney, Australia
Bernadine Flanagan
University of Queensland, Australia
Bernadine Flanagan
University of Queensland, Australia
Matthew Lewsey
La Trobe University, Australia
Matthew Lewsey
La Trobe University, Australia
Mark Howden
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Switzerland
Mark Howden
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Switzerland
Richard Trethowan
University of Sydney, Australia
Richard Trethowan
University of Sydney, Australia
Mahsa Majzoobi
RMIT University, Australia
Mahsa Majzoobi
RMIT University, Australia
Tomas Poblete Cisterna
University of Melbourne, Australia
Tomas Poblete Cisterna
University of Melbourne, Australia
Bin Zhang
South China University of Technology
Bin Zhang
South China University of Technology
Kim Bell-Anderson
University of Sydney, Australia
Kim Bell-Anderson
University of Sydney, Australia
Crispin Howitt
CSIRO, Australia
Crispin Howitt
CSIRO, Australia
Advanced Grain Analysis
Sponsored by Metrohm ANZ
A pre-conference workshop will be held on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, at The University of Sydney, Darlington Campus. Workshop details are provided below.
Registration is complimentary and open to all conference attendees. Participation is limited to 40 places, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Lunch will be provided for all workshop participants.
- Title: Advanced Grain Analysis: From Sample Preparation to High-Throughput NIR Solutions
- Description: This workshop will showcase the latest advancements in grain analysis, from sample preparation to high-throughput near-infrared (NIR) screening. Participants will gain practical insights into modern analytical workflows and learn how these technologies can help researchers and industry professionals achieve faster, more reliable results.
- Presented by: Metrohm ANZ – Stephanie LeStrange, Danmar Gloria, Charles McKibbin, Myles Collins
- Date/time: Tuesday, 25 August 2026, 11:00 – 15:15 AEDT.
- Venue:Â The University of Sydney, Darlington Campus, Room 407, Chemical Engineering Building (J01), Maze Crescent, Darlington NSW 2008.
- Cost: Free for all AGSA 2026 conference registrants, including Full, Student and Day registrations.
- Catering: Lunch will be provided for workshop participants.
- Travel: Participants are responsible for making their own way to The University of Sydney, Darlington Campus. Please refer to the workshop brochure for directions.
- How to register: Please complete the workshop registration form below.
Conference Registration
We’re excited to announce that registrations are officially open for the 2026 AGSA Conference!
Secure your place early and take advantage of discounted early-bird rates.
Click the link below to register now for #AGSA26.
Registration Information
| Full registration, early-bird | $880.00 |
| Full registration, after 31st July | $990.00 |
| Student registration | $495.00 |
| Day registration, 1 day | $363.00 |
| Day registration, 2 days | $726.00 |
| Additional ticket, welcome reception | $88.00 |
| Additional ticket, conference dinner | $132.00 |
- All prices are in Australian dollars and include GST.
- Full and Student registrations include AGSA membership for the remainder of the membership year ending 30Â April 2027.
- Day registration includes AGSA membership (Full or Student depending on the membership type) for the remainder of the membership year ending 30 April 2027.
- Student and Full registrations include Welcome Reception and Conference Dinner.
- Early-bird registration available until 31Â July 2026.
Abstract Submission
The conference scientific committee invites authors to submit abstracts for oral or poster papers. Abstract submission closes 18 May 2026. For more information, please contact Scientific Committee Chair Les Copeland. Follow the Abstract Guidelines to prepare an abstract for submission.
Thank you for your interest. We are no longer accepting abstract submissions.
Student Conference Attendance Award
The AGSA Scholarship Program offers Student Conference Attendance Awards that provide funds to assist students to attend the AGSA conference. To be eligible for the award, valued at $500, a student must present a paper (oral or poster) at the conference. The awardee will also receive a certificate at the conference as an acknowledgement of their receipt of the award. Applications close 1 May 2026. Please visit the Awards page for more information.
The application period for the Student Conference Attendance Award has now closed.
Guidelines for Presenters
Please refer to the guidelines for oral and poster presentations.
Sponsors
Gold
Tabletop Exhibitors
 
 
Morning Tea
Workshop
Service Award
