Congratulations to Water Research Australia PhD candidate Minh Duc Nguyen from Deakin University for being awarded the National Student Water Prize at OzWater 2023 with his project: Turning Waste Into a Resource: Developing Novel End-Use Pathways for Water Treatment Sludge.
Duc’s research is a collaborative project between Water Research Australia, Deakin University and Barwon Water to develop innovative technologies to reuse and manage water treatment sludge.
Duc says this award will provide a platform to promote the potential of water treatment sludge reuse.
“By showcasing the outcomes of my research and the recognition it has garnered, I hope to encourage further investigation and the implementation of sustainable practices for water treatment sludge management in the water sector,” he said.
“The award also holds tremendous personal significance for me in representing the realisation of a dream. From the very beginning, through the challenges posed by the pandemic, all the way to the end of my research journey, this award acknowledges the efforts, ups, and many downs during my PhD.”
Duc also acknowledged Water Research Australia’s Research leadership Program for its support throughout his studies.
“I am particularly thankful to [Research Capability Manager] Carolyn Bellamy, whose guidance and care have been truly exceptional,” he said. “She has gone above and beyond to look after me and other WaterRA students, making us feels like a WaterRA family.”
Duc was also awarded the 2020 Nancy Millis Memorial PhD Award, an Australia Award in 2013 and most recently awarded International Student of the Year (Regional) at the 2021-22 Victorian International Education Awards.
As leaders in collaborative water research, WaterRA supports innovation in the sector through long-term sponsorship of both the national and state-based Research and Development Excellence Awards offered by the Australian Water Association.