Members in Action: Simone Pedrini, Centre for Mine Site Restoration at Curtin University

Simone Pedrini is a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP) and research fellow at the Centre for Mine Site Restoration at Curtin University in Peth, Western Australia.

What projects are you working on right now?

I’m working on a series of technologies and protocols to improve the supply chain of native seeds for restoration in Western Australia. Currently, there is a shortage of native seed both in quantity and species diversity. Native seeds are very expensive, there is little consideration on seed quality, and the current seeding practices can result in seed wastage and poor outcomes. My research consists of identifying the major bottleneck in the supply chain, and test solutions to optimise processes and develop technologies that can be used by seed suppliers and users. One example is seed coating, the practice of covering seed with external material to modify its shape and size. By using this technology, it is possible to increase the size of very fine (dust-like) seed until they are comparable in size to agricultural species (e.g. canola). Making all seeds in a diverse species mix of the same size would allow the delivery of the seed mix through traditional, large-scale agricultural seeding equipment, improving precision and speed.

What do you find most rewarding about working for your organization?

The most rewarding part of my job is to see incremental improvement happening all the time; for example when we manage to successfully alleviate the dormancy of a complex species, find new methods to effectively clean a seed lot without damaging the seeds, or improve the recipe for seed coating. All these little successes combined make the time, effort (and failures) worthwhile. 

How long have you been a member of SER? What is your best experience thus far?

I have been a member of SER since 2017. It’s hard to single out a specific moment. Some of my favorite experiences were: being part of the foundation and growth of the SER thematic section INSR “International network for seed based restoration”, and being able, with a global team of experts, to put together the International Standards for Native Seeds in Ecological Restoration.

What was your childhood dream job?

Every week I would dream of a different job: astronaut, fireman, soccer player, sailor, archeologist, pirate, architect, dinosaur, policeman, jet pilot, and many more. I had no idea what ecology or restoration was.

What’s your favorite moment of your career so far?

Being present at the foundation of the European Native Seed Producers Association, in Austria in early 2020. This event was the culmination of years of planning, meetings, and discussions, and the beginning of a great collaboration between likeminded people that share the same values on conservation and restoration, and understand the importance of cooperation at a continental level for improving the supply of high quality native seed (of the right origin) to fill the rising demand for restoration projects.

But what made this event special was the night celebration on the Austrian ski slopes with an international sleigh race culminating in an epic battle for the lead between Italy and France (sadly France won).

Why would you encourage others, particularly young people, to get involved in this field?

Because I don’t think there’s any other job worth doing.