Future scientists take on Australia's water security challenge

Students take geomagnetic
measurements on the grounds of
Geoscience Australia in
Canberra

Australia's top Year 12 science students are gathering in Canberra as part of the National Youth Science Forum to learn first-hand about a major challenge for Australia - how to find and secure future water resources for the nation.

In the southern half of Australia, recent droughts and predictions of a drier future under a number of climate change scenarios have led to the search for innovative water security strategies for regional communities and industries, while also delivering environmental benefits to threatened river systems.

Geoscience Australia undertakes important groundwater studies across Australia to identify alternative water sources and ways to better manage these valuable systems.

Chief Executive Officer, Dr Chris Pigram, highlighted the importance of current students having access to Australia's leading geoscientists and being exposed to cutting edge groundwater investigation techniques.

"By applying themselves to a topic of national importance like groundwater, we hope the students will further engage in science and ultimately follow a geoscience career," Dr Pigram explained.

"We know water security in arid Australia is going to be one of the most important resource issues we face in ensuring community sustainability into the future. Drawing upon today's leading science students could mean the difference in solving tomorrow's national challenges - such as water security," he said.

Geoscience Australia is one of several national agencies offering science experiences to some of Australia's best and brightest science students during January as part of the 2015 National Youth Science Forum.

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