From Dairy Farmer to Agricultural Guru

At 85 years old, Professor Robert McIntosh, a fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, still speaks with the sharp wit and boundless enthusiasm that has characterized his six-decade career in agricultural science. He has been actively involved in the genetics and cytogenetics of disease resistance in wheat, concentrating on rust diseases.

"Life evolved from there"

"It's been a long story," the renowned scientist reflects during an interview with Science and Technology Daily. Born into a large family in coastal New South Wales, where resources were scarce but curiosity thrived, McIntosh recalled, "Things were very difficult when I was young. We had a small farm, but scholarships gave me my ticket to education and ultimately to science."

Initially training as a schoolteacher at the University of Sydney, McIntosh's path changed when he discovered research. "I was fascinated by the possibility of research," he said. An opportunity to study wheat diseases opened the door to what would become a 65-year career. "Life evolved from there."

Starting as a technical officer at the University of Sydney in 1960, McIntosh climbed the academic ladder in Australia and the U.S. while making breakthroughs in wheat rust research. He reflected that genetics had not been a particularly favored science at the start of his career. However, since then, the field has undergone a remarkable revolution in genetics and molecular biology. This progress continued at an extremely rapid pace, profoundly impacting not just human life but the entire spectrum of biological sciences.

What has kept McIntosh focused on wheat science for six decades?

"No moment whatsoever did I tire of it," he said. "It was an evolution, gradual progress as opportunities arose." This evolutionary approach saw him have many achievements. He is best known for the book on Wheat Rusts, produced with colleagues Colin Wellings and Robert Park and the Wheat Gene Catalogue, a solo project from 1973. In addition, he has established working relationships with wheat scientists in many countries, including China, the U.S., Canada, the UK and Japan.

"We have to feed people"

Long before China became a scientific superpower, McIntosh recognized its potential. His first visit was in 1983 during an ill-timed July trip where "seeing wheat crops was impossible." But this trip marked the beginning of a four-decade partnership. "I've seen amazing development in China," he said after having visited over 20 times.

His collaboration with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) and the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences exemplifies his passion for facilitating global exchanges. While some of his Western peers hesitated to engage with China at that time, McIntosh dove in and began mentoring young scientists, refining disease resistance strategies in wheat, and eventually earning Sichuan's prestigious Tianfu Friendship Award in 2016.

Perhaps some of his most important work over the last decade has been editing the scientific papers of Chinese researchers. "Wheat research is my hobby," he explained. "When I read papers, I'm learning and challenging my mind." With typical humor, he contrasts this with his wife's pastime: "She likes computer games. I don't like computers because I never win so I do editing work [instead]." This "hobby" keeps his interest coming back to genetics and the development of genetics and modern molecular genetics has helped Chinese researchers publish hundreds of papers.

His perspective on scientific exchanges is pragmatic. "Political tensions will have effects, but they won't stop collaboration. We have to feed people and agriculture [cooperation] must continue." This ethos has seen him actively promote cooperation, believing science transcends borders.

"Think widely"

McIntosh remains remarkably active and characteristically humble. When pressed to name his proudest achievement, he deflects. "That's for others to judge. I've done my job, treated people respectfully, and enjoyed life."

Even his personal life reflects this philosophy that a healthy mind makes a healthy body. McIntosh continues traveling globally, finding China is an extremely interesting country to travel in. He is impressed by the culture of Sichuan province, saying the climate is closer to Australia and relaxed ambience of Sichuan reminds him of home.

His advice for young scientists, however, is to the point. "Think widely. Don't be blinkered." He elaborates with clarity on six decades of experience. "Speak to farmers. Ask how economists view your work. If your research matters, it must ultimately benefit all these people."

McIntosh's career offers valuable classes in sustained impact. "Being a scientist is not a noble career, it's just fascinating." The scientist continues his work, which has made all the difference for the people fed by disease-resistant crops that he helped develop. With a mind as active as ever, he shows no signs of slowing down.

Source: Science and Technology Daily