Land and Water Link

16 - May 2004

New Chief

Dr Rob Vertessy has been appointed as CSIRO Land and Water’s new Chief, following the retirement of Dr John Williams who has led the division since 2001.

According to CSIRO Chief Executive Officer Dr Geoff Garrett, ‘Rob Vertessy has previously headed the CRC for Catchment Hydrology as its Chief Executive Officer since 2002, and is a well-respected hydrologist with a significant national and international profile.’

‘He is particularly noted for his contributions to catchment modelling and water balance measurement, especially in the field of forest hydrology.

‘Dr Vertessy’s CRC experience, combined with the necessary commercial and science skills, makes him well placed to lead this important part of our Organisation.’

Rob Vertessy is the author of more than 100 journal articles, book chapters, reviews and conference papers. Having gained his PhD in fluvial geomorphology from the Australian National University, Rob Vertessy has been a CSIRO officer since 1987; first as an Experimental Scientist in the Division of Water Resources and subsequently as a Research Scientist in CSIRO Land and Water.

Dr Vertessy says, ‘I’m strongly committed to building upon the strong linkages that our researchers have forged with the land and water management industry and with partner R&D providers such as universities, state-based research organisations and Cooperative Research Centres’.

‘In my induction tour of CSIRO Land and Water sites around Australia, I have been struck by the immense breadth and quality of skill in our staff and their dedication to finding solutions to the pressing land and water management problems of the day.

‘Through our partnership research projects and, in particular, our engagement in the Water for a Healthy Country Flagship, I see compelling evidence that our work is strongly focused on stakeholder needs and well placed to make a difference to Australian society, economy and environment.’

CSIRO Contact:

Lynne Griffiths
Ph: +61-8-8303 8513
www.clw.csiro.au/staff/VertessyR/