Dr Norman undertook his PhD on the systematics and biogeography of the octopuses of the Great Barrier Reef. This was followed by Harkness and ARC QEII Fellowships on the Australian octopus fauna and octopus taxonomy in general. Since then his main research focus has been defining the Australian and Indo-West Pacific cephalopods, primarily the octopuses. Specific research interests include biodiversity, evolutionary origins and relationships, reproductive and defense behaviours, deep-sea faunas, and adaptations to key habitats and niches. He has undertaken field research throughout Australasia, Antarctica, Europe, United States and throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
He has also undertaken research into other invertebrates and Victorian fishes, and has published field guides on cephalopods and marine invertebrates, children’s books on natural history and has participated in numerous natural history documentaries.
His research, education and conservation activities have been recognised through the following awards:
- Harkness Fellowship for postdoctoral research (USA) (1993)
- Malacological Society of London Annual Award, best initial contribution to molluscan research (1993)
- QE II Research Fellowship, Museum of Victoria and University of Melbourne, 1994-1999 (1993)
- Ministerial Award for contribution to establishment of Marine National Parks System in Victoria, Hon. John Thwaites, MP, Minister for Environment and Water (2002)
- Victorian Coastal Council Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement (2006)
- Children’s Book Council of Australia, Eve Pownall Award for Information Books (2007)
- Whitley Award for children’s natural history literature, Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales (2007, 2008, 2009)
- Australian Publishing Association Award for Excellence in Educational Publishing (2008)
- Wilderness Society Environmental Award for children’s literature (2010)