Professor Craig Simmons

Wrestling with the goldfish myth

Professor Craig Simmons, the Director of the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training, headquartered at Flinders, is forging ahead to understand better ways to preserve and manage water both in Australia and around the world.

His research applies computer modelling to identify ways to keep humans, livestock and crops alive, and protect the environment by identifying ways to better source and preserve fresh water supplies.

“We are a land of droughts and flooding rains. There are opportunities to develop new solutions for Australia and the world as we confront the challenges of droughts to come, but we need to do the homework to be able to benefit from the change.”

Professor Simmons’ team has also trained more than 80 postdoctoral fellows and 80 PhD students at the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training since 2009, helping make Flinders University an international magnet for groundwater researchers.

“Our graduates are getting snapped up to great jobs in government and industry, developing policies and innovations that are helping keep Australia on the right track,” Professor Simmons said.

“I think that’s the most satisfying aspect of our progress. Research is critically important, but we also have to make sure that the research that we are doing is used. Our graduates occupying key roles in international water policy is helping to make sure that can happen.”