Dr Richards has delivered novel new wheat varieties with proven yield advantages to the grains industry. He has identified genes & traits never used before in crop improvement, developed innovative selection procedures using physiological and molecular methods, and used them in breeding. The benefits to Australia in a $6 billion wheat industry are very significant. He has worked closely with commercial partners ensuring arrangements to increase the delivery of improved varieties to Australian agriculture. The importance of the new genes & traits and the pioneering breeding program developed by Richards, is supported by a strong publication record and international recognition.