Honouring the legacy of Professor Dennis Mulcahy, a dedicated mentor and advocate for students, this annual award recognises a student who has demonstrated initiative, dedication, and a passion for science.
The recipient will receive an Associate Student Membership with WaterRA, providing opportunities for professional development, industry engagement, and collaboration within the water sector.
Applications are now open.
Submissions close: COB, 30 April 2025
Award value
$5,000 Associate Student Membership
Offered
Annually
Eligibility
- Open to PhD, Masters and Honours students
- Open to full time students only
- Open to domestic and international students
- Student must be currently living in Australia
- Student must have commenced enrolment in FY2025 at a WaterRA member research organisation
- Research Project must meet the WaterRA National Research Priorities Agenda
Assessment criteria
- Academic achievement
- Submission essay addressing ‘Why the student thinks their project is important to the water industry
- Submission examples demonstrating leadership the student has undertaken within the university, the water sector or the community
- Project meets WaterRA National Research Priorities Agenda
The late Professor Dennis Mulcahy will be remembered with affection for his support and encouragement to his students. He was their friend and greatest advocate.
Throughout his career with the University of South Australia, Dennis made many significant contributions to science in physical, analytical and environmental chemistry and water technology, publishing more than 160 papers.
His significant achievements are evident in many awards over his career, including a very early career Royal Australian Chemical Institute (SA) (ChemEx) award for excellence in chemical education in 1979. He was later elected a fellow in RACI.
Dennis was a key player in the development of the CRC in Water Quality and Treatment (now WaterRA) where he first developed and led the Education Program from 1995 to 2008. Dennis was meticulous in his oversight of the 100+ students that graduated during his tenure and exposed them to the water industry and its people from day one. Dennis had a detailed understanding of not only the projects being undertaken by the students but also their personal circumstances, providing an excellent level of care, encouragement and mentoring.
Professor Dennis Mulcahy was a highly respected academic and researcher in the water industry. He served as an Adjunct Professor at the Centre for Water Management and Reuse at the University of South Australia (UniSA).
In 2011 Dennis was awarded The South Australian Premier’s Water Medal, the highest award given by the Australian Water Association in SA. The award recognised his excellence in teaching and mentoring within the water industry.
In 2014 Dennis was made a University Fellow at UniSA in recognition of distinguished service to the University, particularly with respect to the education and training of students for future careers in the water industry.
Prof. Mulcahy’s legacy continues to be remembered and celebrated for his contributions to the water industry and his dedication to mentoring and educating future generations.
Professor Dennis Mulcahy