The Institute for Water Research (IWR), which is based at Rhodes, has a lot on this week.
The Institute for Water Research (IWR), which is based at Rhodes, has a lot on this week.
The Institute – which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year – has an open day tomorrow (Wednesday) and Thursday. Entitled "Understanding the past and planning for the future", the programme outlines the work of the Institute, looks at its achievements so far and, more importantly, maps out its priorities for the future.
Started in 1991, the amalgamation of two previous research groups – one focused on hydrology research and the other on aquatic ecology, the IWR's core objective is to "contribute to the knowledge of and promote the understanding and wise use of natural water resources in southern Africa" – work that couldn't be more essential in South Africa in 2016.
The Institute not only teaches students and oversees postgraduate research, it also takes on projects solving water problems for commercial organisations and governments throughout Southern Africa. One of its most important functions is to make sure the its research findings are disseminated as widely as possible so that anyone involved in water usage can employ best possible practise.
IWR Director, Professor Denis Hughes will kick off the programme at 10am tomorrow (Wednesday 27 January) with a look at the IWR story so far, and all the events take place at the Oppidan Dining Hall, Steve Biko Building, Rhodes University.
The second day of the event takes the form of a workshop and is dedicated to helping anyone considering a career in any kind of water-related field.
For instance, the Institute supervises students in a range of water related disciplines including: environmental water quality, water management, hydrology, hydrological modelling, social ecological systems, social sciences, rangeland ecology, ethics and governance.
The day is dedicated to helping anyone who wants to work in these fields get a better idea of what is required and will include advice from past students who are currently working as water professionals on how to map out a successful career path. There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions. Thursday's workshop programme is in the same venue and starts at 9.30am.
Creative water clean up
As if that wasn't enough, the IWR is also doing its bit for the Creative Clean-up project. They'll be doing further work on Grey Dam on Saturday morning – including donning their waders to get as far out into the water as possible to pick up rubbish inaccessible from the shore line.
Anyone who would like to lend a hand can join them. They're aiming to get start between 7 – 7.30am.
