The Research Innovation Award aims to encourage innovation, constant environmental improvement and sustainable management of Australia’s water resources. Specifically, this award provides recognition for an environmentally significant research project and/or initiative. Sustainable use of Australia’s water resources is at the heart of this Award.

Eligibility

Open to any Australian institution, organisation, private individual or company that has made a contribution in water research. The outcomes of the research must add to the conservation or better use of water resources, knowledge of water technology, sociology, economics or culture aspects.

Criteria

The detailed criteria will be based on the nature of each nomination, since the range of possibilities is wide, but the overall attributes sought will include the following:

• Significant contribution to water research that improves the use or management of water or furthers our knowledge of water in any discipline
• Demonstrated achievement in water research (such as awards, honours, accolades) 
• Demonstrated commitment to communicating research widely to enhance the water professions’ knowledge of water or to improve the use or management of water (such as being published in journals, presentation at conferences, coverage in mainstream media) 
•  Evidence of industry acceptance, recognition or other factors, which indicate the project exemplifies superior practice or performance.

Nominations

Please check whether your local branch offers the Research Innovation Award. Where offered, nominations must be entered into the branch awards. Branch winners will be automatically nominated for the national award.

Where no relevant branch awards are offered, nominations can be submitted directly to the AWA National Office.

Judging

Judging panel of 3-5 members, consisting of water industry personnel, and the AWA national awards convenor as chair. Judging panel’s decision will be presented to AWA Board for approval.

Awarded at

Ozwater Gala Dinner

Submitting your nomination

Submissions should be submitted electronically and must include the following compiled information:

• Nomination form
• Introduction to the nominee organisation(s) and the project being nominated (maximum 250 words)
• Response to criteria (maximum 15 A4 pages)
• Photo of project team or one of the project elements for promotional purposes (in jpg or similar format)
• Two letters of reference outlining demonstration of criteria (maximum 500 words)
• Supporting documentation (optional) which may include articles, publications, media, etc in a variety of formats.

Closing date

National office closing date is 30 November. Nominations for branch awards close earlier than the national awards and it is recommended that you check with your local branch for the relevant closing date.   

Sponsorship

We invite you to combine resources with AWA and other sponsors to showcase the commitment, innovation and excellence of the Australian water industry by supporting AWA's National Water Awards Program. With your backing this program will continue to be positioned as the premier event to recognise excellence and innovation across the water industry. To learn how your business can partner with AWA on the National Water Awards Program read the Sponsorship Prospectus for the Research Innovation Award.

AWA Awards

awards@awa.asn.au  

ph. 02 9436 0055

Australian Water Association
PO Box 222, St Leonards NSW 1590