The University of Western Australia (UWA), represented by Prof. Ryan Lowe, and Dutch research institute Deltares, represented by Simone van Schijndel, Regional Manager Australia and New Zealand, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) last week.
The MoU highlights the desire of both institutions to increase collaboration on a broad range of research topics, in particular related to coastal dynamics, water quality modeling and offshore engineering.
“A good example of collaboration that will address real-world challenges is joint research to improve knowledge of the risks small low-lying islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans face with sea level rise and extreme storm, and the development of practical solutions to help mitigate these risks,” said Prof. Ryan Lowe.
“Deltares and UWA have the specific and complementary expertise that is needed to address these types of issues on a global scale.”
It is expected that the agreement will open up joint opportunities for joint research projects in Australia and the Indian Ocean region. Besides (applied) research projects, both institutions intend to work together on software development and professional training, and will promote exchange of researchers and students.