Derek Cropp regularly participates in or conducts R & D both directly, for a client or as a collaborating scientist with various Universities or Research Organisations. He has a wide range of practical and scientific experience combined with the often neglected commercial perspective which provides a commercially realistic approach to R & D and the maximisation of benefits.

During 2007-2010 Derek is consulting to Abrolhos Pearls and Latitude Fisheries as a Co-Investigator on the FRDC funded project to Develop the non-maxima pearl industry at the Abrolhos Islands (Pinctada imbricata/P. fucata).