MD–WERP Annual Symposium 2022

The inaugural MD–WERP Annual Symposium took place on 15 & 16 June at the National Museum of Australia, Canberra and online.

Hosted by the MD–WERP Science Leadership Team, the symposium brought together a great mix of over 150 people from Commonwealth partner agencies (Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water; the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office; and the Murray–Darling Basin Authority), the research consortium (led by CSIRO and La Trobe University) and policy makers across state and Australian Governments. They gathered to chart a path forward for the cutting-edge science and research coming out of the program.

The first day gave attendees an opportunity to hear updates on the policy environment and progress made to date across the program. Each of the four research themes (climate adaptation, hydrology, environmental outcomes, and social, economic and cultural outcomes) presented progress made over the last 12 months and showcased some of their research projects.

It was an important space for policy makers to hear what the latest research is telling us and what the implications might be, particularly as we confront the challenges of a hotter and drier climate.

A panel session at the end of the day allowed participants to ask questions directly to Governing Panel members and water policy managers. This led to wide ranging conversation around topics such as:

  • the importance of integrating MD–WERP with other research programs

  • better incorporating First Nations knowledge across the program

  • writing science outputs in ways that makes it easier for policy makers to use

  • using community knowledge across the program

  • understanding how investing in transparency can help ensure continuity of the science base in changing government and policy environments

Presenter biographies and slide presentations provide more information on individual project progress.

The second day was an internal planning day involving research consortium members and Commonwealth staff. Indigenous law firm, Terri Janke & Company provided an introduction to conducting culturally safe research and Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP). This was followed by a deep-dive workshop exploring linkages and synergies across the themes and projects.

While improvements can always be made, overall the symposium was a great success. It brought together experts from many fields in the one room and facilitated some invaluable opportunities for knowledge sharing, learning and identifying potential opportunities for synergies.

We extend our thanks to all presenters, guests and organisers involved, and look forward to seeing you next year.

The inaugural MD–WERP Annual Symposium took place on 15 & 16 June at the National Museum of Australia, Canberra and online.

Hosted by the MD–WERP Science Leadership Team, the symposium brought together a great mix of over 150 people from Commonwealth partner agencies (Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water; the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office; and the Murray–Darling Basin Authority), the research consortium (led by CSIRO and La Trobe University) and policy makers across state and Australian Governments. They gathered to chart a path forward for the cutting-edge science and research coming out of the program.

The first day gave attendees an opportunity to hear updates on the policy environment and progress made to date across the program. Each of the four research themes (climate adaptation, hydrology, environmental outcomes, and social, economic and cultural outcomes) presented progress made over the last 12 months and showcased some of their research projects.

It was an important space for policy makers to hear what the latest research is telling us and what the implications might be, particularly as we confront the challenges of a hotter and drier climate.

A panel session at the end of the day allowed participants to ask questions directly to Governing Panel members and water policy managers. This led to wide ranging conversation around topics such as:

  • the importance of integrating MD–WERP with other research programs

  • better incorporating First Nations knowledge across the program

  • writing science outputs in ways that makes it easier for policy makers to use

  • using community knowledge across the program

  • understanding how investing in transparency can help ensure continuity of the science base in changing government and policy environments

Presenter biographies and slide presentations provide more information on individual project progress.

The second day was an internal planning day involving research consortium members and Commonwealth staff. Indigenous law firm, Terri Janke & Company provided an introduction to conducting culturally safe research and Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP). This was followed by a deep-dive workshop exploring linkages and synergies across the themes and projects.

While improvements can always be made, overall the symposium was a great success. It brought together experts from many fields in the one room and facilitated some invaluable opportunities for knowledge sharing, learning and identifying potential opportunities for synergies.

We extend our thanks to all presenters, guests and organisers involved, and look forward to seeing you next year.

Page last updated: 17 Jul 2023, 10:00 AM