Northern Australia Irrigation Futures

Providing new knowledge, tools, and processes to support debate
and decision making regarding irrigation in northern Australia

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16 November 2009

Keith Bristow receives prestigious international award

Keith Bristow is the first Australian to be awarded the Don and Betty Kirkham Soil Physics Award, the most prestigious international award for outstanding achievements in soil physics and vadose zone hydrology.

Named in honour of Don Kirkham, one of the pre-eminent soil physicists of the 20th Century, the award recognises the significance and originality of basic and applied research in soil physics, the quality and impact of teaching soil physics at undergraduate and graduate levels, and the total impact of contributions to soil science and other fields, nationally and internationally, as well as on the world community at large.

Keith is a Senior Principal Research Scientist with Land and Water, a Program Leader in the Cooperative Research Centre for Irrigation Futures, and an honorary professor at University of Pretoria in South Africa.

Even with the challenges of distances faced by scientists based in smaller regional laboratories, Keith's high personal standing, experience and leadership in the soil, hydrological and environmental sciences is widely recognised nationally and internationally.

Keith is passionate about his science and its application to improve understanding and management of our soil, water, land and ecological systems. He has built on his experience in soil physics and hydrology and worked to integrate science, policy and community interests through strong partnerships with government, industry and other organisations as a foundation for effective delivery of research outcomes.

'It is a privilege and honour to receive this award and to stand amongst past recipients who have made exceptional contributions on the international stage to the fields of soil physics and hydrology, Keith said.

The award, supported by the Lena and Maria Van der Ploeg Fund and the Don and Betty Kirkham Fund, was presented to Keith at the 2009 Soil Science Society of America Awards presentation held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on 4 November.

For more information contact Keith Bristow.

Further Information:

• Dr Keith Bristow: managing integrated water resources
• Don and Betty Kirkham Award and Conferences [external link]
• Soil Science Society to Present Awards in Pittsburgh [external link