Winners announced for water research and innovation prize

The National Water Commission has congratulated the winners of the Peter Cullen Eureka Prize for Water Research and Innovation for their outstanding contribution to water science.

Professor Quentin Grafton, Dr Hoang Long Chu and Professor Tom Kompas from the Crawford School of Economics and Government at the Australian National University and Associate Professor Michael Stewardson from the Department of Infrastructure Engineering at the University of Melbourne won the award in Sydney last night.

The Chair of the Commission, Chloe Munro, announced the prize at the Eureka Awards ceremony.

“This innovative model - the first in the world to allow decision-makers to allocate water in real time while considering the state of the river system - has the potential to play an important role in determining how we make water sharing decisions that optimise environmental and economic outcomes.

“In doing so, it supports the objectives of the National Water Initiative and is a fitting tribute to Professor Peter Cullen.

“The model is of global significance and could potentially be adapted to any river system in the world where there is adequate information on hydrology and ecology.

“This will enhance Australia’s reputation as a world leader in water management and water science.

“The commission would like to take this opportunity to wish the winners well with the future development of this important innovation,” said Munro.

The Peter Cullen Eureka Prize for Water Research and Innovation is sponsored by the National Water Commission in honour of Professor Peter Cullen's legacy as one of its founding commissioners.