Building relationships with local and international industry and institutions is the focus for new director of Charles Sturt University’s Asian Agribusiness Research Centre Dr Claus Deblitz. “I am convinced that investing in partnerships with experts and institutions pays off,” says Dr Deblitz. With 18 years experience in livestock and beef economics and conducting agricultural benchmarking in countries such as Argentina, China and New Zealand, Dr Claus has brought his wife and two girls from their home country of Germany to start a new life in Australia. “We like Orange. The people are so friendly and welcoming.” Dr Claus is keen to hold small workshops with farmers and businesses to develop ideas for future research aimed at farmers’ needs. “I will then know what research requirements are needed to make a contribution to Australian agribusiness.”