The ARLP is Australia's longest and most in-depth leadership program designed to build leadership capability in people throughout rural, regional and remote Australia.

Dr Norton is a senior research scientist at the Australian Grains Genebank (AGG) based at Horsham's Grains Innovation Park in Victoria. She is one of 29 participants chosen for the ARLP who will attend 50 days of practical learning and mentoring.

Dr Norton said she is thrilled to be selected and is looking forward to getting started this month with an initial online training component before joining her cohort for learning experiences in regional Australia and potentially overseas over the next 15 months.

"It's an exciting opportunity to learn more about myself and develop skills to become a better leader," Dr Norton said.

"Regional and rural Victorians have been facing a host of challenges in recent years including drought, bushfires and floods, so the mentorship in this program will offer guidance on how to look at these events as opportunities to work together and build resilience.

"This course will also provide the opportunity to really get out of my comfort zone and challenge both myself and my cohort to become stronger leaders."

Dr Norton leads a team of 23, which includes scientists, technicians, and higher degree students.

The ARLP gives participants valuable opportunities to enhance their capacities and create a network of like-minded leaders to positively influence their organisations, industries and communities.