Inaugural Centre Partner and Academic In-person Planning Workshop
Posted 12 Mar, 2026
$22 million ARC Training Centre to future‑proof Australia’s water systems
Australia’s water future has been strengthened with the establishment of the $22 million ARC Training Centre for Climate Resilient Water, a national research and training centre led by The University of Queensland.
Funded by the Australian Research Council in 2025, the Centre is now in its establishment phase and brings together 28 partner organisations from across the water sector, local government, industry and universities. It aims to build Australia’s capacity to deliver reliable, affordable and low‑emissions water services under increasing climate pressure.
Centre Director Professor Steven Kenway said the Training Centre responds directly to the scale and urgency of challenges facing the sector.
“Australia is dealing with some real challenges when it comes to water, from climate variability to population growth and more complex systems,” Professor Kenway said.
“This Centre is about working together across industry, government and academia to find practical ways forward to secure our water future.”
The program will support more than 25 PhD candidates, 25 Master’s students, and six postdoctoral researchers, all working closely with industry partners on challenges affecting urban and regional water systems. Researchers will be based at The University of Queensland, Griffith University and the University of Technology Sydney, providing access to diverse expertise and strong national networks.
With urban demand rising and traditional water sources becoming less reliable under climate change, Professor Kenway said embedding research capability within industry is critical.
“When researchers and practitioners work together, we can put knowledge into practice sooner, build future water leaders, and create outcomes that really matter for communities,” he said.
Expressions of interest are now open for prospective PhD candidates, with competitive stipends, top‑up funding and industry placements available. Successful applicants will work on nationally significant challenges while developing highly transferable skills valued across the water sector.
More information about the ARC Training Centre for Climate Resilient Water and current opportunities is available at www.climateresilientwater.org
