Water Research Australia (WaterRA) is pleased to announce that Dr David Bergmann has officially commenced as Chief Executive Officer, effective 28 January 2025.

David was appointed to the role following an extensive national and international search and brings a wealth of experience as a PhD-qualified scientist, innovator, and leader. Prior to joining WaterRA, David spent nine years at South East Water, where he played a key role in expanding its research and development program. His expertise spans strategy, innovation, commercialisation, and intellectual property, along with significant leadership experience in not-for-profit and member-based organisations, including four years on the WaterRA Board.

Reflecting on his first week as CEO, David said:

“I’m excited to officially step into the role and continue building on WaterRA’s strong legacy of collaborative research and innovation. I look forward to working with our members, partners, and the incredible WaterRA team to shape the future of water research and create lasting impact for the sector, our communities, and the environment.”

The WaterRA team is thrilled to welcome David as CEO and looks forward to the leadership, expertise, and vision he will bring to the organisation.

David’s early priorities include engaging with WaterRA’s members, refining membership value propositions, and strengthening research partnerships to ensure WaterRA continues to meet the evolving needs of the industry. He is eager to connect with you and your organisation’s leadership in the coming weeks. Please feel free to reach out to David to arrange a meeting, either in person or online.