The CRC’s PhD program aims to equip the next generation of researchers to contribute effectively to managing the risks and opportunities in a changing Murray–Darling Basin. 

The first 7 PhD scholars participating in the program came together in person from the 20 to 23 August in the CRC’s regional research hub in Mildura for a series of professional development activities, including attending the 2-day CRC annual event.

They went through a series of workshops relating to the five thematic areas of the One Basin CRC’s PhD program: First Nations engagement, effective collaboration with industry partners, communicating research to non-academic audiences, building collaborative research environments, and thriving regional research hubs. The workshops were developed and led by One Basin CRC staff. 

Education and Training Manager, Daniel Pierce, observed that ‘the CRC provides an ideal environment for building a strong network of early career researchers working across a range of disciplines and gaining first-hand experience of issues being faced by different organisations and communities across the basin. 

‘It was encouraging to see the cohort come together for the first time after meeting virtually for several months. The workshops helped the PhD scholars prepare for the poster session during the main CRC event and for initiating conversations with new contacts from the CRC’s many industry partners.’ 

The cohort had the privilege of an extended conversation with Uncle Feli McHughes, Professor Troy Meston (One Basin CRC’s First Nations research lead) and Geoff Reid (One Basin CRC’s First Nations engagement lead) discussing how to contribute alongside First Nations peoples to ‘rivers for generations’. 

Most of the PhD students have started their research over the last 8 months and expressed how little they were aware initially of the kinds of opportunities that being part of the One Basin CRC provides. Three of them are now based in one of the regional hubs.