Welcome to the WA Scientist Spotlight, a weekly series by the WA Agricultural Research Collaboration (WAARC) celebrating Western Australia’s leading agricultural scientists.
Each week, we delve into the career journeys, current research, and insights of remarkable individuals who are shaping the future of agriculture and food in Western Australia.
By sharing these stories, WAARC hopes to inspire and nurture the next generation of agricultural scientists and leaders committed to advancing innovation and sustainability in WA.
This week, we shine the spotlight on Dr Hayley Norman, a senior principal research scientist at CSIRO – Australia’s national science agency – with a career spanning over two decades.
A passion ignited by plants and people
For Dr Norman, the path to becoming an agricultural scientist began with a love of science, plants, and animals.
Growing up in Perth, her early interests lay in biology and economics.
“I completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture at UWA, convinced I would be an agricultural economist,” Dr Norman said.
However, her career took an unexpected turn when she encountered two inspiring scientists – Professor Phil Cocks from The University of Western Australia (UWA) and Dr Brad Nutt from Murdoch University and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
“Their work in pasture legume improvement, based on an ecological understanding of how plants manage challenging environments, fascinated me,” she said.
This encounter led to an honours project, a year as a casual field technician, and a Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) PhD scholarship.
Her doctoral research at UWA focused on the reproductive strategies of annual clovers from dry Mediterranean areas, an experience she describes as thoroughly rewarding, despite the challenges of full-time work and finishing the thesis
After completing her PhD, Dr Norman’s career at CSIRO began serendipitously.
“An opportunity arose to work on the Sustainable Grazing of Saline Land project, led by the fabulous Dr David Masters,” she said.
This initial role broadened her skills and networks, and 25 years later, she remains an integral part of CSIRO.
A career of discovery and impact
Dr Norman’s career trajectory has been a testament to the value of adaptability and seizing unexpected opportunities.
“Agricultural science has allowed me to ‘choose my own adventure’,” she said.
Originally planning to pursue an international PhD, she instead stayed in Perth to work with world-class pasture research groups.
Over the years, her roles at CSIRO have evolved from postdoctoral research to project management and leadership.
“I have primarily managed and delivered research projects and undertaken increasing leadership roles within CSIRO and across the industry,” Dr Norman said.
International collaborations have also been a highlight, with projects taking her to diverse and challenging locations such as Tibet, Syria, and Afghanistan.
“I never dreamed I’d be on a mountain in Tibet working with baby yaks or combing through Byzantine ruins in Syria looking for clover seeds,” she said.
A day in the life at CSIRO
As a senior principal research scientist and team leader, Dr Norman’s workdays are dynamic and varied.
“I spend about 80 per cent of my time conducting research and 20 per cent leading a team of incredibly clever people,” she said.
Her weeks are filled with planning research delivery, engaging with project teams, and discussing new opportunities with CSIRO and industry partners.
Administrative responsibilities, such as team approvals, managing budgets, contracts, health and safety, and animal ethics reporting are also a significant part of her role.
Despite the demands of leadership, Dr Norman finds time to immerse herself in hands-on research.
“I try to assist during intensive sheep or pasture work and enjoy weekend sheep feeding,” she said.
Travel is another constant, as her role often takes her across Australia for meetings and field visits to spend time engaging directly with farmers.
“Innovation occurs when farmers and scientists take time to discuss ideas,” Dr Norman said.
Advancing agriculture locally and globally
Dr Norman’s current research focuses on improving livestock systems and developing sustainable feed solutions.
Her projects span three main areas – developing native shrub systems, optimising the use of annual legumes for livestock production, and utilising near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict feeding value and methane emissions.
“Our research has led to new saltbush cultivars and better legumes for crop and livestock systems, which are used across Australia and internationally,” Dr Norman said.
Her work also contributes to global initiatives, such as the Global Methane Hub collaboration, which aims to reduce methane emissions from livestock in developing countries.
Finding fulfilment in science and community
For Dr Norman, the most rewarding aspect of her career is the collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, farmers, and industry experts, across diverse environments.
“There is always something new to think about and never a dull moment,” she said.
“Working with a group of talented Afghan women to set up a small shrub enterprise is something I will always cherish.”
Her connection to the farming and research community extends beyond professional networks.
“I have many friends in the farming and research community who I wouldn’t have met if I’d chosen a different career path, including my wonderful partner Matt,” she said.
Advice for aspiring agricultural scientists
Dr Norman offers words of wisdom for those considering a career in agricultural science, emphasising the importance of passion and persistence, particularly during the challenging final months of a PhD.
“Chances are your career won’t go in the exact direction you plan, so be open to learning new things and giving new areas of science a go,” she said.
Reflecting on her own experiences, she encourages young scientists to embrace opportunities that challenge them.
“A very wise man told me to do at least one thing every couple of years that scares you,” she said.
“That advice led me to incredible adventures, from a project in Syria to chairing a government advisory council.”
Dr Norman’s journey exemplifies the spirit of curiosity, collaboration, and resilience – qualities also embodied by the agricultural science community in Western Australia.
Her work not only addresses critical challenges in livestock systems but also inspires the next generation of researchers to embrace the unexpected and make a lasting impact.
Through her dedication, Dr Norman has shown agricultural science is not just about solving problems but also about building relationships and creating opportunities for innovation on a global scale.
As she continues her work, her contributions to the field will undoubtedly inspire others to explore the limitless possibilities of agricultural research.
Through the WA Agricultural Scientist Spotlight series, WAARC celebrates the contributions of researchers like Dr Hayley Norman, whose work exemplifies the dedication and innovation needed to advance agricultural science in Western Australia.
By sharing their stories, the series aims to inspire a new generation to pursue careers in this vital field, ensuring that the state remains at the forefront of agricultural research and sustainability.
