Each week, the WA Scientist Spotlight series showcases one of Western Australia’s leading agricultural scientists, exploring their journey, research, and insights into the future of farming.
This week, we feature Dr Yong Han, a Senior Research Scientist at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), whose pioneering work in molecular genetics is helping to shape more resilient and productive grain crops for WA growers and beyond.
Early curiosity and a scientific foundation
Dr Han’s scientific journey began in eastern China at Zhejiang University, where he completed both his undergraduate degree in Crop Biotechnology and later a PhD in Crop Genetics.
His early studies were fuelled by a fascination with the hidden mechanisms that drive plant growth and development.
“I was inspired by the breakthroughs in molecular biology and genetic modification techniques,” Dr Han said.
“The hidden mysteries in plants attracted me to delve deeper, and during my PhD, I started establishing a genetic transformation platform for barley to study gene functions, which was a bottleneck in barley research at the time.
“Only a handful of laboratories globally could do that work back then.”
A growing passion for agriculture
Although his academic focus began in pure science, Dr Han’s passion for agriculture developed gradually, driven by the real-world challenges he encountered in applied research.
“My interest in agricultural science developed over time,” he said.
“As I began to understand the knowledge gaps and the industry’s needs, I found ways to align my research and technical skills to address those gaps.
“That’s what now drives me – delivering outcomes that matter.”
This shift from fundamental research to practical application shaped his career direction and deepened his connection to agriculture as both a scientific and societal mission.
After completing his doctoral studies, Dr Han launched his academic career as a postdoctoral research fellow at Zhejiang University, before moving to Murdoch University in Western Australia to continue his postdoctoral research.
These early roles were focused on investigating plant phenotypes at the genetic level and publishing novel findings in international scientific journals.
However, Dr Han was soon drawn to more applied work.
Joining DPIRD as a Senior Research Scientist marked a turning point, offering new opportunities to engage directly with breeders, growers, and industry stakeholders.
“Much of my earlier research was done in controlled environments like labs and glasshouses,” Dr Han said.
“But at DPIRD, my work became more connected to the people and the paddocks.
“Those interactions opened my eyes to how scientific research can deliver real value and profits to growers.”
Leading innovation in genetic improvement
Today, Dr Han leads the Cell and Molecular Biology Group within DPIRD’s Genetic Improvement portfolio.
His team supports breeding companies and research organisations by developing doubled haploid (DH) cereal lines and contributing to pre-breeding research projects funded by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).
“No two weeks are the same,” Dr Han said.
“I catch up regularly with project teams to monitor progress and resolve issues, meet with breeders and collaborators to share updates or explore new opportunities, and support PhD students whom I co-supervise.
“I also review research papers for more than 15 international journals and occasionally jump back into the lab or glasshouse to stay hands-on.”
His blend of leadership, mentorship, and technical contribution keeps the research dynamic and aligned with real-world needs.
Dr Han’s research focuses on applying cutting-edge genomics, genetics and biotechnology to understand and manipulate the genes that control key crop traits.
“We develop gene silencing techniques for rapid gene function validation, use gene editing technologies like CRISPR in major WA grain crops for precision breeding, and apply molecular markers to verify crop purity, hybridity and variety identification,” he said.
One of the cornerstone programs under Dr Han’s, and his colleague Sue Broughton’s, direction is the Cereal Doubled Haploid (DH) Program, a powerful tool in breeding that rapidly produces genetically fixed lines – saving significant time in variety development.
“In the DH program, we’ve developed culture protocols that redirect immature pollen cells into embryogenesis, producing haploid plants,” he said.
“After chromosome doubling, these become fertile, completely homozygous plants, which are incredibly valuable for breeding and research.”
The scale and scope of the work are impressive, with about 15,000 wheat and barley DH lines annually.
Delivering benefits to WA and the world
Dr Han’s work is deeply rooted in delivering value to Western Australian agriculture, but its implications extend far beyond state borders.
“My research helps improve crop yield and adaptation to environmental stress by integrating molecular biology with real-world breeding,” he said.
“The advanced lines and germplasm we develop are used in commercial breeding programs for both domestic and export markets.”
At the same time, the methods and insights produced by his team are shared widely – through scientific publications, conference presentations, and public engagement – enabling researchers in other regions and countries to benefit from Western Australia’s innovations.
“These platforms and findings can serve as global case studies,” Dr Han said.
“They demonstrate how high-level science can translate into practical solutions in diverse agricultural systems.”
Advice for the next generation of agricultural scientists
With a career that bridges discovery and delivery, Dr Han has valuable insights for aspiring scientists.
His message to students and early-career researchers is one of openness, imagination, and collaboration.
“Modern agriculture is a multidisciplinary field,” he said.
“It involves biology, engineering, data science, and even artificial intelligence.
“The industry is not only powered by practical experience but also by imagination, knowledge transfer across disciplines, and teamwork.”
He encourages young scientists to embrace the complexity and potential of agriculture as a field of innovation.
“There’s an enormous opportunity to shape the future of farming,” Dr Han said.
“If you’re curious, committed, and collaborative, agriculture can be a space where you make a real difference.”
Dr Yong Han’s career reflects the best of modern agricultural science – rigorous, innovative, and rooted in impact.
Through his leadership in molecular genetics and commitment to industry outcomes, he exemplifies the role of the agricultural scientist as both explorer and problem solver.
As Western Australia faces increasing challenges around climate, productivity, and global competitiveness, researchers like Dr Han are ensuring that our crops – and our growers – are equipped for the future.
Through the WA Agricultural Scientist Spotlight series, WAARC celebrates the contributions of researchers like Dr Yong Han, 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.