29 October 2010 Inaugural Professorial Research Fellow in Strategic Water Studies Appointed

The University of Canterbury and Lincoln University are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Bryan Jenkins as the inaugural Professorial Research Fellow at the Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management, a joint venture between the two Universities, funded principally by the Tertiary Education Commission. The Fellowship is being funded by ECAN for a period of up to two years starting 1 March 2011.

The objective of the Fellowship will be to enhance the development of fresh water management strategies in Canterbury and New Zealand by promoting strategic thinking in water management and involving academics and students in the field of fresh water management and research.

This is a very important investment in the future of water strategy development in Canterbury and throughout New Zealand. It represents a further step by ECAN to support research informed policy and decision making.  Like the recent formation of the forum established between ECAN, NIWA and the UC Geography Department, it is an excellent example of real foresight in bringing together research and collaboration given the significant challenges we face as a community.

Dr Jenkins, who is currently Chief Executive of Environment Canterbury, has more than 30 years' experience in natural resource and environmental management. He has previously worked in government administration of environmental protection and as a consultant in the execution of multidisciplinary studies and environmental impact assessment programmes, including public works planning, feasibility studies and financial assessment.

Dr Jenkins holds a PhD in environmental planning from Stanford University, a first class honours and masters degree in civil engineering from the University of Adelaide. He later completed a Master of Administration from Monash University. He has been a visiting professor at Stanford University (1988), an adjunct professor at Flinders University (1996-1999), and Director Murdoch Environment – a professorial appointment at Murdoch University (2001-2). Dr Jenkins has published extensively in professional and academic literature