Thinking time for research talent

Thursday 13th December 2007

Two of Australia's leading researchers in natural resource management research will enjoy added support and recognition for their work following the announcement today of the Land & Water Australia Senior Research Fellowships for 2008.

Land & Water Australia Chairman Bobbie Brazil congratulated the two Fellows winners - Professor Derek Eamus from the University of Technology Sydney and Dr Peter Davies from Freshwater Systems Tasmania. They have joined an outstanding group of Australian scientists selected in recognition of their contribution to sustainable management of water, landscape and primary industries.

Previous winners, such as Dr Rick Evans who used the award to add valuable insights to the management of groundwater, are committed to making a difference through application of their knowledge. There are now 11 Fellows making significant contributions to Australia's natural resource management.

The Land & Water Australia Research Fellowships are an innovative, annual investment in the people who drive Australia's science and allow leading researchers to undertake focused research projects for a 12-month period.

Mrs Brazil said the researchers would focus on two very different research topics during their year:

• Dr Davies' work will develop future scenarios for the Murray Darling Basin river ecosystems under the possible mixes of climate change and changes in water and land use. It will help join up the many concerns people have about the future of the Basin.
• Prof Derek Eamus will be bringing together understanding of the three-way interactions among water, forests and climate, something that many people are identifying as a critical issue in making smart decisions

"Land & Water Australia is acutely aware that the important research outcomes that Fellows make ensure we continue to return on the dollars invested by government and industry. It is also aware that the Fellows provide balance and evaluation to the many scientific messages that primary industries and other natural resource managers are managing," said Mrs Brazil.

"There is a risk in the business of change that people, and particularly the big thinking Fellows, don't have time to think. Land & Water Australia's Research Fellowships are an important contribution toward investing in their knowledge. We are pleased once again this year to continue in the support and development of excellent researchers in their fields.

"The employers of this year's Research Fellowship recipients are to be congratulated for their vision in releasing some of their finest people for the sustainable future of Australia."

For full details of Land & Water Australia's Research Fellowships program contact Dr Stuart Pearson, 02 6263 6008.