Dr Hatton has a Bachelor of Science (summa cum laude) and Master of Science in Natural Resources from Humboldt State University, and a doctorate from the College of Natural Resources at Utah State University.

Following post-doctoral studies in mathematics at the University of New South Wales he joined the CSIRO as an environmental scientist, working on the many water-related challenges facing Australia. Over a 25-year career at the CSIRO, he directed the Water for a Healthy Country Flagship as well as the Wealth from Oceans Flagship, Australia’s largest water and marine research portfolios, delivering research directly underpinning the efficient and responsible development of Australia’s natural resources while ensuring the conservation of the environmental and social values. In 2014, Tom retired as CSIRO Group Executive for Energy, responsible for national facilities and capabilities in renewable and non-renewable energy, and mining research and development.

In 1999, Tom was awarded the inaugural WE Wood Award for scientific excellence in the field of salinity research, and the Utah State University Alumni Professional Achievement Award. In 2008, Tom received the CSIRO Chairman’s Medal and the Australian Public Service Medal for his contributions to the management of Australia’s water resources.

Dr Hatton chaired the Western Australian Marine Parks and Reserves Authority (2012-2015) and chaired the 2011 Australian State of the Environment Committee. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Western Australia and serves on the Boards of the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research and the Western Australia Parks Foundation.

Dr Hatton was inducted as a fellow of the prestigious Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering in 2017 for his contributions to the development of technologies and their application to natural resource management and his outstanding leadership in the development of water, marine and energy technologies.