Rohan Brill was presented with the coveted award, which recognises, encourages and rewards leaders in the Australian grains industry, at the annual GRDC Grains Research Update in Wagga this week.

GRDC Northern Panel member Roy Hamilton said the award, voted on by the panel, recognised Mr Brill's significant contribution to the successful Optimising Canola Profitability project, as well as his effective communication skills when working with researchers, agronomists and growers.

"GRDC established this award with the aim of supporting emerging leaders to establish networks, that leverage international knowledge, and to take up opportunities to help address research and skills gaps in the Australian grains industry," Mr Hamilton said.

"In recent years Rohan has become a well-respected researcher in his field and shown he has the professional skills to manage research projects, implement agronomy trials, analyse trial data and effectively engage and share findings with his peers in the research world, as well as with growers and advisers in the paddock.

"He has now become a regular presenter at Updates for advisers and growers in NSW and Victoria.

"We are excited about what Rohan brings to the Australian grains industry and are keen to recognise his talents and to support and encourage his passion for the sector both now and into the future."

Mr Brill started his working career as a technical officer with NSW DPI in 2007, before being promoted to the role of research agronomist at the Trangie Agricultural Research Centre. Then he became district agronomist in the Coonamble region.

From 2013 until 2019 he has worked from the Wagga Agricultural Institute and been closely involved in grains industry research and delivery outcomes to industry.

Mr Brill said he was honoured to receive the award, because it recognised the role of the whole multi-disciplinary team involved in the Optimising Canola Project.