Alison Bentley is the director of Global Wheat Program at International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT). She leads and manages a team of 40 international scientists who use scientific approaches to develop improved wheat germplasm. 

Prior to joining CIMMYT in November 2020, she was working in the UK focused on translation of fundamental scientific breakthroughs into tangible impacts for the agri-food sector. Her research combines genetics and genomics to develop and deliver new tools and technology to improve plant breeding and crop production. She has a doctorate in Agricultural Science and PhD in Agriculture from The University of Sydney, Australia.

Alison was the 2023 Borlaug CAST Communication Award recipient This award recognizes outstanding achievements and contributions by scientists, engineers, or other professionals in the agricultural, environmental, or food sectors to the advancement of science through communication in public policy fields. Bentley has a passion for delivering practical applications from innovation to farmers, extensive reach through communicating and influencing, and mentoring and support of individuals and community efforts.

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