This week, the WA Agricultural Scientist Spotlight turns to Dr Joanne Wisdom, South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub Director and Innovation Lead at the Grower Group Alliance.
With a rich background spanning research, industry, and education, Dr Wisdom brings a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in modern agriculture.
A multidisciplinary foundation in agricultural science
Dr Wisdom’s academic journey laid the foundation for her diverse career in agricultural science.
She completed a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology at The University of Western Australia (UWA), blending scientific inquiry with an understanding of human and social dynamics in food production.
Her passion for plant physiology led her to pursue a PhD in the field at UWA, further deepening her expertise in sustainable agriculture.
More recently, she expanded her skill set with a Diploma of Digital Technology from Flinders University, equipping her with the tools to integrate modern technological solutions into agriculture.
However, her connection to agriculture runs far deeper than the classroom.
“My family has been farming in the WA Wheatbelt since 1860,” Dr Wisdom said.
“I grew up in the city, but I loved visiting the family farm through the years.”
While her early interests were varied, her love for food and farming evolved into a strong commitment to agricultural science.
“The more I learned about plant physiology, food security, and sustainable farming practices, the more I wanted to contribute to the field,” Dr Wisdom said.
A career rooted in research, industry, and education
Dr Wisdom’s career has spanned research institutions, industry roles, and government collaborations, reflecting her commitment to bridging the gap between scientific discovery and real-world application.
She began her professional journey as a viticulturist in Margaret River, working in one of Australia’s premier wine regions.
This early experience provided her with firsthand knowledge of agricultural business operations and the importance of industry-driven research.
She then expanded her work into academia, holding research and teaching positions at both UWA and Curtin University while also partnering with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) on research projects with industry applications.
Teaching has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her career.
“Winning the Undergraduate Teaching Award at UWA, as voted by students, remains a career highlight,” Dr Wisdom said.
Her passion for education continues in her current role, where she is keen to modernise agricultural extension efforts to make cutting-edge research more accessible to farmers and industry stakeholders.
“Innovation for me is all about considering new ways of thinking about doing things,” she said.
“Bringing in learnings from other agricultural commodities or sectors, exploring new approaches to collaboration – these are the kinds of ideas that drive me.
“The challenges we face in agriculture require expansive thinking and solutions that are adaptable to our changing climate and economy.”
Leading agricultural innovation in WA
As Hub Director and Innovation Lead at the Grower Group Alliance, Dr Wisdom plays a pivotal role in driving agricultural resilience across the State.
A typical week involves meeting with grower groups, researchers, and industry representatives to discuss ongoing and future initiatives, as well as overseeing projects and exploring funding opportunities.
“My role involves strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring that research translates into practical applications for farmers and industry partners,” Dr Wisdom said.
One of the areas she is particularly passionate about is supporting the extension network – helping to ensure WA’s farmers have access to the latest research and technologies.
“Agriculture is facing unprecedented challenges, from climate change and drought to food security and sustainability,” she said.
“My work is about connecting solutions with localised challenges, ensuring that farmers can adapt and thrive in changing conditions.”
Dr Wisdom’s research has focused on plant physiology, sustainable intensification, and innovation in perennial fruit crops and pastures.
She has also been involved in projects such as ‘Bee Friendly Pastures,’ which integrates pasture legumes to support honeybee populations.
“This project was particularly exciting because of its potential impact on pollination, biodiversity, and agricultural sustainability,” she said.
A global perspective with local impact
Dr Wisdom believes the insights developed in Western Australia’s agricultural sector have significant global applications, particularly in climate adaptation strategies.
Looking to the future, she sees great potential in further integrating digital technology into agriculture, improving sustainability through precision farming, and fostering greater collaboration between researchers, growers, and industry bodies.
“WA’s farmers are already adapting to changing environmental conditions, and the solutions we develop here – whether in soil health, plant resilience, or sustainable intensification – can be applied in similar agricultural regions worldwide,” Dr Wisdom said.
“Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation – the more we work together, the better our chances of finding solutions that are both practical and impactful.”
Advice for future agricultural scientists
For students and early-career scientists considering a path in agricultural science, Dr Wisdom offered three key pieces of advice: stay curious, gain hands-on experience, and embrace collaboration.
“Agriculture is an incredibly diverse field that intersects with climate science, economics, technology, and even anthropology,” she said.
“Don’t be afraid to explore different areas – some of the most exciting innovations come from unexpected intersections of disciplines.
“If you’re passionate about making a difference, surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you.”
She also encouraged young ag scientists to seek out internships, research projects, or direct engagement with farmers and industry groups.
“The best way to understand agriculture is to immerse yourself in it.”
With her wealth of experience, passion for innovation, and commitment to bridging science and practice, Dr Wisdom continues to be a driving force in Western Australian agriculture.
Through her leadership at the South-West WA Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, she is shaping the future of farming by fostering resilience, sustainability, and cutting-edge research in the industry.
Through the WA Agricultural Scientist Spotlight series, WAARC celebrates the contributions of researchers like Dr Joanne Wisdom, 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 the State remains at the forefront of agricultural research and sustainability.