Dr Sheil has stepped into the fray amid high tensions through the AWI camp, with heated comment from board member Chick Ollson and Australian Wool Growers Association president Martin Oppenheimer and suggestions that AWI director Roger Fletcher may take over from chairman Brian van Rooyen.

She said she wanted to stand to bring AWI back to basics.

"I am basically running on a platform of basics," Dr Sheil said.

"I am a paediatrician, a scientist and a wool grower and I want AWI to conduct responsible scientific research.

"The focus should be back to the basics in the area and the focus should be on outcomes that keep farmers profitable.

"This should be combined with a focus on building demand for wool through well managed strategic promotion."

Dr Sheil said she was mainly concerned with health and welfare of sheep in the industry with a need to conduct further research.

"I think it is important that more research be carried out," she said.