Conference report
BAMOS
Sept 2017
Australian Climate and Water Summer
Institute
Peter Degorski
Team Particle Filters for Stream Flow Prediction
Team members: Thanh Hung Pham, Nhu Cuong Do
Last summer a bold experiment was undertaken by an Australian-
Dutch researcher (Albert Van Dijk). The experiment was to
support 21 PhD and postgraduate students to create unique
solutions to hydrological and climate problems in an intensive
and collaborative way. The outcome of this experiment is still
ongoing but many ideas, collaborations, results and friendships
have already occurred. Partnered with CSIRO, the Bureau,
Geoscience Australia, Murray Darling Basin Authority, Bushfire &
Natural Hazards and the National Computational Infrastructure,
the Australian Engergy and Water Exchange Research Initiative
(OzEWEZ) Summer Institute had broad support from Australia
science community.
The formula was simple: bring a bunch of like-minded climate
scientists and hydrologists from around Australia to collaborate
on a “start up” type project. PhD students equipped with
curiosity were thrown together in a six-week melting pot of
ideas. These 21 scientists were supported by a whole lot of NCI
processing power, a few IT and problem solving workshops and
some really inspirational mentors.
After an intensive week of listening to problems facing different
science institutes, we got together to solve a bunch of problems
in small groups. The variety and quality of projects that we
created was outstanding. From projects investigating the
effect of winds on national evapotranspiration to seasonal soil
moisture prediction projects to predicting yields of agriculture
the institute ideas were bold and original.
The highlight for me was the casual science discussion over
dinner and breakfast with the fellow summer scholars, as well
as pitching our idea at the culmination of the summer school.
The weekends were a time to absorb the best parts of Canberra,
the comradery that was formed hacking away at unfamiliar
programs solidified strong bonds amongst us. Students can
expect to make really great new friends, learn new skills and
feel really challenged.
Whilst the experience is intense, so is the reward and you will
only get out whatever you are prepared to put in. The majority
of projects were hydrologically focussed, but there is certainly
scope for more climate-based projects.
If you or anyone you know might be interested in the
opportunity, more about the program can be found at the
OzEWEX website.
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