CSIRO has announced a new leader for its water research initiatives, with the appointment of Dr Carol Couch as Director of the Water for a Healthy Country National Research Flagship.

Dr Couch will reportedly bring a unique range of skills to the job, after working in various scientific fields for the last 20 years.

Dr Andrew Johnson, CSIRO Group Executive says “It is critical we find better ways to manage water both in Australia and overseas. Globally, the sustainable management of freshwater resources is recognised as one of the greatest challenges of the 21st century. Nearly a billion people lack access to reliable, clean water and three-quarters of the world's wastewater flows to the environment without treatment...  The Flagship has a significant research leadership role in supporting the nation in maximising the full value we derive from water.”

Among her many achievements in the US, Dr Couch led the development of the first Water Plan for the State of Georgia. She also led the Georgia Drought Management Committee emergency response during the 2006-2009 regional droughts. She was lead scientist and advisor for aspects of water-quality investigations conducted by the US Geological Survey and led a team of scientists in the development of a national ecological synthesis program.

"Australia's water challenges are many and varied, but the Flagship's integrated, multidisciplinary approach to research and a commitment to strengthening partnerships with government, industry and communities, places it in the strongest position possible to provide timely, relevant and high-quality science for decision making. It is a challenging role but I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to lead the Flagship and direct research that can inform the management of water resources both in Australia and internationally," Dr Couch said.

Details of past and ongoing initiatives by the Water for a Healthy Country Flagship are available online.