UQ makes a splash at the National Water Awards

A University of Queensland Professor has been named the Australian Water Association’s Water Professional of the Year.

Professor Jurg Keller, the Director of UQ’s Advanced Water Management Centre (AWMC), won the Water Professional of the Year award in recognition of his sustained passion and continued commitment to the water industry and for his leadership and influence in the sector.

The National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology (Entox), a joint venture between UQ and Queensland Health, won the Research Innovation Award.

Professor Keller said he was particularly pleased about the recognition coming from the Australian water industry.

“It has recognised the value and importance of innovation and research and development in the industry, particularly in the current climate, to achieve productivity gains and improved industry efficiency,” he said.

The Research Innovation Award recognises and encourages innovation, constant environmental improvement and sustainable management of Australia’s water resources.

Entox was awarded the prize for its project What’s in our water? Bioanalytical tools for assessment of micropollutants, mixtures and transformation products from sewage to drinking water.

The project, led by Prof Beate Escher, collaborated with other researchers to improve and validate bioanalytical tools and appropriate risk communication strategies.

As a result of this work, Entox is now considered a world leader in this growing field of research.

Media: Dr Sandra Hall, AWMC, s.hall@awmc.uq.edu.au or 0429613811