Ian Acworth

Director, University of New South Wales Connected Waters and Gary Johnston Chair of Water Management

NCRIS Coordinator, National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training

Professor Ian Acworth is a leading developer of new geophysical techniques for groundwater investigation.

He has a strong track record of industry-driven research during 35 years as a hydrogeologist in universities and working in South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Australia. His early work resulted in new electrical imaging field techniques that have evolved to become a standard application.

Professor Acworth has also been responsible for many other technology developments. He shares a patent on an electrical image method for resolving problems in dryland salinity and coastal intrusion of sea water, and he recently took out a patent involving the 3D monitoring of deep drainage beneath irrigated crops.

He has carried out extensive investigation into aquitards and the hydromechanical coupling evident in such systems. His interests cover many areas of practical hydrogeology, including hydrochemical and geophysical techniques.

These have been applied to the study of surface water groundwater process investigation and extensive work in coastal zones resulting in well-cited publications and several PhD completions.

Professor Acworth has a long-held interest in the origins of dryland salinity and recently published work that considers the influence of climate change on this process.

During his career Professor Acworth has published well over 100 scientific articles and has been chief investigator on grants totalling nearly $4 million.

He is the Australia and Pacific Vice-President of the International Association of Hydrogeologists and has served on the National Groundwater Committee advising the Federal Government.

Professor Acworth will play a major leadership role in the Training Advisory Committee of the NCGRT, including the development of a new National Groundwater Field Training School Short Course.

Chief Investigator and Leader Program 1. Email Ian Acworth.