Water Research Australia

We are so glad to support this important award

A huge congratulations to CSIRO Environment and Water Corporation, recipients of this year's R&D Excellence Award!

Their project, Safeguarding Water Quality through Predictive Pathogen Management, is advancing how utilities manage Naegleria fowleri risks in drinking water distribution systems through predictive biomarkers, quantitative monitoring and climate-aware strategies.

By combining leading research with practical application, the project is strengthening public health outcomes and helping utilities respond to emerging water quality challenges both in Australia and internationally.

Thank you to Water Research Australia for sponsoring this award.

Last night was an extra special one for us, and one of the best parts was the opportunity to present this year's R&D Excellence Award at the Australian Water Association's Gala Dinner.

We are proud to sponsor this award and delighted to celebrate this year's recipients, CSIRO Environment and Water Corporation.

Their winning project, Safeguarding Water Quality through Predictive Pathogen Management, is advancing how utilities manage Naegleria fowleri risks in drinking water distribution systems through predictive biomarkers, quantitative monitoring and climate-aware strategies.

Combining leading research with practical application, it is strengthening public health outcomes and helping utilities respond to emerging water quality challenges in Australia and internationally.

Thank you to the Australian Water Association for shining a light on great water research through this award.

A big shout-out to all who were able to join us at our Member Connect event at Ozwater and the presentation of an extra special award …

Our Nancy Millis Memorial Award honours the ‘First Lady of Biotechnology’. A trailblazing scientist and founding Chair of WaterRA, Nancy drove innovation and opened doors for women in science.

A microbiologist of international repute, she made enormous contributions to agriculture, environmental protection, medicine, and engineering. She was a pioneer in recognising the importance of clean water, and led the development of techniques to treat industrial wastewater.

Nancy is also remembered for her tenacity. She wasn’t accepted into Melbourne University when she first applied for a Bachelor of Science—but persevered, was admitted into Agricultural Science, and went on to have an extraordinary career. Today, a building at Melbourne University bears her name in recognition of her legacy.

Joining a prestigious list of past recipients, our 2026 winner has demonstrated initiative, drive and a passion for research.

Congratulations to Stephanie Faulks from The University of Adelaide, supported by SAAFE CRC.

A big congratulations to Dr Kaili Li from The University of Queensland. Kaili is part of our Research Leadership Program, and following winning the Queensland Student Water Prize, has now taken out the national gong for her project on understanding and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater systems in the data era.

Kaili's 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.

Thank you to the Australian Water Association for shining a light on great research across Australia through the Australian Water Awards.

Not long now until Ozwater’26!

If you’ll be there, we hope that you will join us for a special networking event we are holding at the close of Day 1.

The event is free for staff and RLP students of Water Research Australia member organisations and paid tickets are available for non-members.

It will include presentation of the Nancy Millis Memorial Award, insights on sector challenges from our inaugural Research Outlook, and a preview of our new 2030 Strategy.

Tues 26 May, 6:30-9:00 pm (AEST)
Sky Level, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Drinks and canapés included
Members: Free | Non-Members: $75

It’s the perfect opportunity to catch up with familiar faces and make new industry and research connections.

Australian Water Association ’26