The One Basin CRC has welcomed its first PhD student to the Griffith Hub as part of an initiative to support needs-based research across the Murray-Darling Basin. Miltone Kimori, who arrived from Kenya on a scholarship through the Gulbali Institute, is the first student to begin his research at Griffith.

Kimori’s research will focus on social marketing and community wealth-building programs aimed at fostering transformative change for rural communities in the Murray-Darling Basin. His work is particularly relevant due to the basin’s vulnerability to extreme droughts and floods, which have highlighted the need for alternative economic models.

“The research stems from the need to build resilient communities in the Basin, where water availability is highly variable, and where communities must adapt to increasingly unpredictable conditions,” Miltone Kimori said. 

“I am excited to begin my research here in regional New South Wales, supported by the One Basin CRC and its partners,” Mr Kimori said.

Kimori will conduct his research from the Murrumbidgee Irrigation centre, which houses the Griffith Hub, and is eager to engage with both the local community and industry.

“Research like this starts with strong community connections, and by being based in the region, Miltone gains access to relationships that wouldn’t be available in major cities,” Griffith Regional Hub Manager, Bernadette Torresan said. 

“His presence will not only benefit his research but will also have positive ripple effects throughout the community as he collaborates with local partners,” Ms Torresan said.

“It’s exciting to have Miltone join us as the first student in Griffith. He brings valuable expertise in research and community engagement; and we’re confident his work will have a meaningful impact on the Murray-Darling Basin,” she said.

“The One Basin CRC is committed to connecting research, industry, and community to drive growth and sustainability in rural Basin communities. Miltone is yet another example of the CRC putting that commitment front and centre.”

Irrigation Research Extension Committee (IREC), echoed the value of place-based research. 

“We are excited to welcome Miltone as the first PhD student at Griffith and look forward to collaborating with him and building a strong partnership in the future,” said IREC Engagement Manager, Monica Armanini.