We are passionate about the future for water research, and the next generation of water leaders who will bring it to life.
That makes the student presentations at Ozwater a special highlight, and we were delighted to have a number of students from our Research Leadership Program sharing their work at Ozwater26.
Student Research Showcase presenter Rehan Mendis from Monash University presented on optimised placement of vibration sensors in urban water networks, and Angel Chyi En WE presented on her work from the University of Melbourne on foam fractionation for removal of contaminants of emerging concern from sewage. National Student Water Prize Finalist Thi Hai Duong Ninh from Adelaide University presented on proactive detection of wastewater overflows in smart wastewater systems.
In a special milestone, Dr Kaili Li from The University of Queensland, took out the national gong for her project on understanding and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater systems in the data era.
Kaili is a WaterRA Nancy Millis Award recipient (2021) as well as being part of our Research Leadership Program. She led the delivery of WaterRA Projects 2059 and 4547, advancing knowledge of scope 1 emissions from wastewater treatment plants. She is now leading a large-scale greenhouse gas monitoring campaign across Australian wastewater treatment plants.
Her research is providing Australian and New Zealand utilities with practical tools and insights, and advancing how the water industry understands, monitors and mitigates greenhouse gas emissions, helping progress towards net-zero goals, helping to support a better future.
The Australian Water Association's Student Water Prizes are awarded at state and territory levels, with a national winner announced at Ozwater. They recognise excellence in water-related studies and research. Every finalist is already a winner - congratulations to all contenders!
Thank you to the Australian Water Association for shining a light on great research across Australia through the Australian Water Awards.