AARES WA Annual Conference

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The WA Branch of the Australasian Agricultural and Resource Economics Society (AARES) held its annual conference on Friday, 7 September 2026, at the University of Western Australia (UWA), bringing together around 40 participants from UWA, DPIRD, CSIRO, and other institutions.

This year, UWA Agricultural and Resource Economics PhD students, Mithun Ghosh and Danni Du, provided excellent conference planning leadership.

(L-R): Conference organisers Danni Du and Mithun Ghosh, with Keynote Presenter, Dr Nikki Dumbrell and WA AARES President, Dr Claire Doll

The one-day program featured full papers, short papers, and posters, with early-career researchers and PhD students presenting insights into pressing issues in agricultural, resource, and environmental economics.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr Nikki Dumbrell (pictured centre-right), an applied economist at CSIRO Agriculture and Food, who spoke on integrating socio-economic benefits into sustainability markets. Her presentation was extremely engaging and provided insights into the functioning of a high-impact research program, and valuable tips for early-career researchers.

Conference presenter Mahnaz Afsar giving her research presentation — Conference presenter Ms Mahnaz Afsar

Research presentations covered a wide range of topics, including food assistance reform and dietary outcomes, battery capacity and wholesale electricity prices, wine consumer preferences, export effects of trade disputes, precision agriculture extension, and the social acceptability of agrivoltaics.

As a special ending to the conference, the group celebrated A/Prof. Ben White, as he enters his retirement. There were some lovely speeches from colleagues and past students. Ben has been a valuable member of the WA AARES community, and we look forward to his future seminar and conference visits.

A/Prof Ben White gives his retirement speech — A/Prof Ben White delivers his career reflections

Overall, the conference offered a valuable platform for early-career researchers and professionals in Western Australia to exchange knowledge, collaborate, and network.

AARES WA conference attendees group photo — WA AARES presenters and attendees

For more information

Dr Claire Doll: claire.doll@uwa.edu.au

AARES WA Branch website: https://www.aares.org.au/branches/western-australian-branch/

Conference Organisers

Mr Mithun Ghosh: mithun.ghosh@research.uwa.edu.au

Mr Danni Du: danni.du@research.uwa.edu.au