Research
Leading water and spatial research to understand the dynamic and unfolding relationships between ecosystems and people and to support sustainable management solutions to environmental problems.
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Our activities and initiatives are structured around five multidisciplinary themes, focusing on field and process understanding, modelling, and spatial sciences in collaboration with national and international links, partnerships, outreach, and technology innovation.
The changing climate challenges our ability to manage food and water security, economic wellbeing and the environment. Understanding catchments, rivers, aquifers, estuarine systems and coasts, and how they respond to the changing climate must be at the forefront of responding to this challenge. Spatial data, satellite data, drones, and translational research with industry underpin our ability to gain a deeper understanding of these issues.
Water in a changing climate
Our Centre focuses on water-dependent systems amidst climate change and population growth. We use innovative techniques to tackle water uncertainty, understand processes, and apply new knowledge to complex systems.
Resilient landscapes
We are committed to maintaining resilient landscapes that support biodiversity and wellbeing. We address climate change impacts and land use on ecosystems and offer science-based solutions to current and emerging issues.
Catchment to coasts
Our research explores ecosystem actions, water quality, and sustainability from catchment to coast. We study natural processes and human activities, to connect the impact and influence of human and natural system preservation for a sustainable future.
Research Teaching Nexus
Our Centre values research-informed teaching and opportunities for research training at undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD levels. Our diverse, gender-balanced team attracts top young scientists and future leaders.
Data-driven discovery and spatial analytics
We use spatial, satellite data, and drones for understanding environments, systems and human populations. Our spatial and data-centric work is applied and solutions-focused.
I'm an environmental and social hydrogeologist. I try to bridge the gap between groundwater processes and communities that are impacted. I want to bring people together.DR SARAH BOURKE
SCHOOL OF EARTH SCIENCES CENTRE FOR WATER AND SPATIAL SCIENCE
Current and Past Visitors
The Centre regularly hosts visiting researchers from across the world. Here are a few of our current and past visitors:
Current Visitors
Maria Francesca Benassi
The University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences
Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Sciences
Maria Francesca Benassi is currently in her third and final year of a Bachelor's degree in Natural Sciences at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in Modena, Italy. Since October, she has been undertaking a six-month educational Erasmus Traineeship at the University of Western Australia in preparation for her final thesis.
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Bio: The opportunity I am experiencing inside the Centre for Water and Spatial Science is enriching me deeply, broadening my knowledge and new perspectives for a future in this fascinating field. I never imagined that I would be immersed in such a great, stimulating and uplifting reality, which is allowing me to grow professionally and personally. The environment, along with the support of my colleagues, have strengthened my desire of working in this field. Research is a journey into the beauty of knowledge, igniting the mind and enriching the soul, enabling us to be custodians of progress. I am excited to continue my academic path and contribute to scientific progress.
Work at UWA: The research project I am a part of, investigates the hydraulic properties of coffee rock in the Swan Coastal Plain around Perth, Western Australia. The presence of this unique and understudied soil type affects unsaturated zone processes, such as wetting front dynamics and moisture retention, and is believed to play a crucial role in sustaining vegetation during increasingly frequent and prolonged periods of drought. The project focuses on characterizing the soil hydraulic properties of coffee rock to improve the modeling of soil water dynamics and contribute to water resource management in the region.
Past Visitors
Professor Ofer Dahan
The Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Israel
Prof Zhenming Zhang
Beijing Forestry University, College of Ecology and Nature Conservation, China
Lisa Michaeli
UC Berkeley, Energy and Resources Group, USA
Martino Malerba
Deakin University Blue Carbon Lab,
Melbourne, Australia
Dr Vincent Lyne
University of Tasmania
Professor Juan Ignacio (Nacho) López-Moreno
Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología (Pyrenean Institute of Ecology), Zaragoza, Spain
Ahi Saipaia
Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Forests. Tongan Government
Laurent Ameglio
Exegis, Australia
Jose Darrozes
CNRS France
Arianna Rapiti
EMergo, Italy
Dr Cayelan Carey
Virginia Tech, USA
Quinn Thomas
Virginia Tech, USA
Dr Octavia Crompton
Research Scientist at US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Agricultural Research Service (ARS), USA