Griffith University’s Australian Rivers Institute has been named the number one global water security think tank by the ‘2020 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report’.
The Australian Rivers Institute (ARI) was announced the top water security think tank based on its ability to provide superior innovative research and strategic analysis on water security public policy as well as its work promoting access to an adequate quantity and quality of water to sustain livelihoods, health and socio-economic development of people around the world.
“We are thrilled to receive this international recognition of the institute’s research and efforts to work with industry, decision makers and the broader community to improve the management of our freshwater resources,” said ARI Director Professor Stuart Bunn.
“The Australian Rivers Institute takes a source-to-sea philosophy to provide knowledge to support the rehabilitation, sustainable use and conservation of aquatic ecosystems.
“It brings together researchers from a range of science disciplines, including aquatic ecology, biogeochemistry, geomorphology, soil science, climate and modelling, together with social sciences, resource economics and law.”
The award was bestowed by The Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program of the Lauder Institute, University of Pennsylvania, who research the role institutes play in governments and civil societies around the world.
The annual Global Go To Think Tank Index ranks the world’s leading think tanks in a variety of categories with the help of a panel of more than 1796 peer institutions and experts from academia, public and private institutions and governments.
The index is used by academics, journalists, donors and the public to connect with the leading centres of research around the world. a number one think tank index.
“Getting this recognition will increase the public profile of the Australian Rivers Institute and its work towards water security and is the culmination of sustained work with NGOs, national and international funding agencies and philanthropic donors,” said Professor David Hamilton, ARI Deputy Director.
“Recognising the importance of water security and the development of new tools to improve water management have assured sustained growth of the institute over the past three years.”
Pro Vice Chancellor (Sciences) Professor Andrew Smith said the result was a reflection of the core strength of environmental research at Griffith.
“The ranking is a real coup for ARI and recognition of its world leading expertise in water security and catchment science,” Professor Smith said.
“Water security is a key component in the University’s new Climate Action Beacon, which is seeking to provide integrated solutions for Climate Change response.”