Meet Kelly Strike – one of our leaders in science

09 February 2024

Hydrogeology and groundwater-dependent ecosystems might not be everyone’s choice when deciding on a science career. For Kelly Strike, head of the National Water Grid (NWG) Science Program, it’s a career that is important for Australia’s water security.

February 11 is International Day of Women and Girls in Science. To celebrate this year’s theme, Women and Girls in Science Leadership: A new era for sustainability, meet Kelly Strike. Kelly reflected on her time leading our Science Program and how it’s underpinning a new era for water infrastructure. One driven by ensuring science informs decision-making. Including being able to adaptively manage projects either through long-term monitoring programs or new research opportunities.

‘We live on one of the driest continents on earth. Our challenges with drought, floods, increased demand and climate change means looking after our water resources is vital for our future,’ Kelly said.

‘The NWG is working to ensure Australia’s regional and remote communities have improved water access to safe and reliable water and security. Achieved through delivery of nationally important and locally critical water infrastructure.

‘To do this, scientific evidence needs to help inform what we do regarding Australia’s water resources to make responsible water infrastructure decisions.’

Kelly Strike presenting at Better Water in the Bush Forum
Kelly Strike presenting at Better Water in the Bush Forum

Funding supplied by the Australian Government through the NWG Science Program underpins future water infrastructure investments that support regional and remote communities. The 3 objectives, outlined in our Science Strategy, guides funding for research organisations and state and territory governments to carry out research projects:

  • analyse water resources, to understand future sustainability and nature positive development options
  • identify and progress alternative and emerging opportunities to increase water security and climate change resilience
  • develop new information resources to support decision-making, including decision support tools and science communication.

Kelly explained that her career has spanned different areas of national water issues. She wanted to continue to work on the broader issues. The Science Program allows her to do this.

‘I want to work on the broader issues with a national focus and the NWG has a positive mandate for research projects,’ she said.

‘As our nation continues to grow and our water demands increase, we’re targeting high-priority areas to meet their water needs in a sustainable manner.

‘Our team’s current and upcoming projects will help inform future water infrastructure and investment. Providing the evidence-base to show what could be possible.

‘Water is an enabler. We can fulfill many of our objectives, as a nation, with water security.

‘Water security is not just a national issue, but a global issue. For anyone looking at a career in science, I highly recommend hydrology. Australia and the world need hydrologists to help manage this life-giving resource.’

Further information on the International Day of Women and Girls in Science can be found at: International Day of Women and Girls in Science Official Website.

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