Jack Hetherington

Jack Hetherington

Higher Degree by Research Candidate

School of Economics and Public Policy

Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics


Jack Hetherington researches sustainable and inclusive agri-food systems, addressing the wicked problems facing society. His goal is to provide and apply rigorous, practical evidence to inform decision-makers, drive change, and ultimately deliver positive impacts.

Currently a PhD candidate affiliated with End Food Waste Australia, CSIRO, and the University of Adelaide’s Centre for Global Food and Resources (GFAR), Jack’s PhD research delves into the transition towards a more circular economy. His work focuses on how different business models can facilitate this transition and the challenges that arise in the process. His research specifically examines Australian cheese manufacturers to gain a deeper understanding of this complex issue.

Jack brings international experience working across agricultural value chains in countries including Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and Myanmar. Since 2017, he has been a Project Coordinator at GFAR, where he worked in Indonesia supporting smallholder-inclusive value chains for dairy farmers (IndoDairy). His role involved leading a diverse team, engaging policymakers and industry stakeholders to tackle persistent challenges like milk hygiene and low productivity. Prior to this, Jack worked at the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) (2015-17), finishing as an Agribusiness Program Coordinator.

He has been actively involved in the Researchers in Agriculture for International Development (RAID) Network and the Crawford Fund, serving as RAID President from 2017 to 2019. Jack also contributes to various industry and community organisations, including the SA Crawford Fund Committee, the Ag Institute of Australia (AIA) SA Division, and the Landcare Association of South Australia (LASA).

Jack holds a Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience from the University of Sydney and will complete his PhD from the University of Adelaide, along with a Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, in 2024.

Jack works in an interdisciplinary research team with the aim to improve the supply, competitiveness and livelihoods of smallholder dairy value chains in Indonesia – a.k.a IndoDairy

  • Appointments

    Date Position Institution name
    2021 - ongoing PhD Student University of Adelaide
    2017 - 2021 Research Associate University of Adelaide
    2017 - 2017 Agribusiness Program Coordinator Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
    2015 - 2017 Research Program Officer Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
  • Education

    Date Institution name Country Title
    2011 - 2014 University of Sydney, Sydney Australia B.Animal and Veterinary Bioscience
  • Other Supervision Activities

    Date Role Research Topic Location Program Supervision Type Student Load Student Name
    2023 - 2023 Principal Supervisor Exploring the viability and expected adoption of smallholder mushroom cultivation to prevent crop residual burning in India The University of Adelaide Masters of Global Food and Agricultural Business Master Full Time Akhil Palla
    2020 - 2020 Principal Supervisor Evaluating the Outcomes and Impacts of the RAID Network Using the Success Case Method The University of Adelaide Master of Global Food and Agricultural Business Master Full Time Wei-Te Lu
    2019 - 2019 Co-Supervisor Characterization of Women Empowerment in Agriculture in Smallholder Dairy Households in West Java, Indonesia The University of Adelaide Master of Global Food and Agricultural Business Master Full Time Dimas Yudo Bramantyo
    2018 - 2018 Principal Supervisor Study of Dairy Cooperative Business Models in West Java, Indonesia The University of Adelaide Master of Global Food and Agricultural Business Master Full Time Dewi Karlina Batubara

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