Associate Professor Dr Guna Hewa
University of South Australia, Australia
Speech Title: Unlocking the Future of Flood Risk Reduction through Integrated Research and Practice
Abstract: Accurate flood estimation is fundamental to effective flood risk management. In Australia, the Australian Rainfall and Runoff (ARR) handbook, most recently updated in 2019, provides national guidance on flood estimation procedures, incorporating both flow-based and rainfall-based approaches. However, recent investigations by the University of South Australia (UniSA), particularly for regions such as the Mount Lofty Ranges, which is supported by similar findings from across the country, have identified critical limitations in the application of ARR2019. This paper presents key insights from UniSA's ongoing research into the core methodologies of flood estimation. Central to this investigation is the recognition that most streamflow estimates rely on rating curves that often extrapolate well beyond observed data, introducing significant uncertainty into flood quantification. Furthermore, the performance of industry-standard runoff routing models (e.g., RORB, URBS, and WBNM) has been shown to vary based on model structure and temporal resolution, with time step selection directly affecting both storage parameters and loss estimates. Another important finding is the inadequacy of assuming constant hydrological losses, as was done in the development of ARR2019. In South Australia, distinct seasonal rainfall patterns suggest that separate loss regimes may be needed for summer and winter events. This research, supported by the Disaster Ready Fund (DRF), highlights the importance of revisiting foundational assumptions in flood estimation to improve the accuracy of design flood estimates for mitigating the associated risks and building greater resilience in flood-prone communities.
Biography of the Speaker: Dr Guna Hewa is an Associate Professor in Water Engineering and the Research Degree Coordinator at UniSA STEM, University of South Australia. A nationally and internationally recognised expert, Dr Hewa's work spans flood and low-flow hydrology, disaster risk reduction, rainfall-runoff modelling, flood forecasting, and sustainable water resource management. With over 30 years of research experience, her contributions have played a pivotal role in advancing knowledge and practice in these fields—strongly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 (Zero Hunger), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
She has authored over 100 scholarly works, including high-impact journal articles, technical reports, and conference papers. A dedicated mentor, she has successfully supervised 15 PhD candidates (10 as primary supervisor) and two master's students to completion and is currently supervising six additional PhD candidates.
Currently, Dr Hewa leads a major project funded through the Disaster Ready Fund (DRF) titled 'Improving Flood Estimation for Mitigating Risks in South Australia,' supported by the South Australia Fire and Emergency Services Commission (SAFECOM). The project tackles critical challenges in flood risk management and aims to enhance the Australian Rainfall and Runoff Regional Flood Frequency Estimation (ARR-RFFE) procedures tailored to South Australia's unique conditions.
Professor Taha Ouarda
National Institute for Scientific Research (INRS-ETE), Canada
Speech Title: Unconventional Water Sources and Water Resources Management
Abstract: This talk will focus on various unconventional water sources such as fog water, rainwater from micro-catchments, water from cloud seeding, deep groundwater, municipal wastewater, water drained from agricultural area and ballast water. The talk will discuss how SDG 6 can be met using these unconventional water sources which can paly a big role in water management in arid and semi-arid regions.
Biography of the Speaker: Taha Ouarda is professor at the National Institute for Scientific Research (INRS-ETE) in the field of statistical hydro-climatology and risk analysis. Dr. Ouarda is also Chairman of the Canada Research Chair in statistical Hydro-climatology and has acted as Chairman of the Hydro-Quebec Industrial Chair in Statistical Hydrology. He has also served as President of the National Canadian Committee on Statistical Hydrology. Dr. Ouarda holds a Principal Engineer degree in Hydrology from the National Engineering School of Tunis, and a PhD in Civil Engineering from Colorado State University. His research activities focus on the modeling of hydro-climatological variables, the study of the impacts of climate change, environmental modeling, and renewable energy assessment. He has developed several computer softwares that deal with a range of problems in the fields of hydro-climatology and environmental engineering. He has also led several international projects dealing with hydro-climatological modeling, environmental analysis and the links between climate evolution, the environment, and public health. Dr. Ouarda is the author of over 400 articles in international refereed journals in his eld of specialization.
Dr Kazi Hasan
RMIT University, Australia
Talk Title: Operating Cost Reduction for Water Utilities by Electricity Profiling and Demand Management
Abstract: Like many other industries, water utilities use a high amount of electricity to operate water and wastewater treatment plants and incur a noticeable percentage of their operating cost as electricity bills. This keynote will present an analysis of the electricity usage profile of a water utility and demand management strategies for cost reduction. Two cost reduction strategies will be verified in this research: (i) fixed price contract, and (ii) electricity time-of-use shifting. An illustrative case study will be presented with two years of interval data from eight selected sites of an Australian / Victorian water utility. The study results suggest that by employing the demand management strategies, up to 22% cost reduction could be achieved from annual electricity bills. The study recognises that the solution could be customised for each site based on the site-specific electricity usage profile.
Biography of the Speaker: Dr Kazi Hasan is a Senior Lecturer in Electrical Engineering at RMIT University, Australia. He served as a Research Fellow at The University of Manchester, United Kingdom, from 2014 to 2018 after receiving a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the University of Queensland, Australia. He has a strong record of establishing and maintaining industry engagement, leading to 15 research grants over the last 6 years, with a 3 million AUD grant success. He has published his research in 100+ top-class journals and conferences. He is a Senior member of IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), USA and a Fellow of Advanced Higher Education, UK. Currently, he serves as the Chair of the IEEE Power and Energy Society, Victorian Chapter.
Distinguished Prof. Biswajeet Pradhan
University of Technology Sydney, Australia
Talk Title: Integrating AI, Remote Sensing, and GIS for Climate-Resilient Water and Environmental Management
Abstract: With increasing climate variability and growing environmental challenges, the sustainable management of water resources and ecosystems has become critical. This keynote will highlight the innovative integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Remote Sensing, and Geospatial Information Systems (GIS) to enhance climate resilience in water and environmental engineering. The talk focuses on how these advanced technologies enable precise monitoring, modeling, and management of natural hazards such as floods, droughts, and soil erosion, which significantly impact water resources and agricultural landscapes.
Using multi-source remote sensing data combined with AI-driven analytics, we can develop early warning systems and adaptive management strategies for effective flood risk mitigation, water quality monitoring, and land-use optimization. Real-world case studies will demonstrate the practical application of these technologies in predicting and managing environmental hazards, optimizing water use, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices under changing climate conditions.
Attendees will gain insights into leveraging AI and spatial intelligence tools to improve decision-making, policy development, and resilience-building in water and environmental systems. This interdisciplinary approach offers a promising pathway toward more sustainable, adaptive, and climate-resilient environmental engineering solutions.
Biography of the Speaker: Distinguished Professor Dr. Biswajeet Pradhan is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of Geospatial Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, image processing, environmental modelling, and artificial intelligence applications. He currently serves as the Director of the Centre for Advanced Modelling and Geospatial Information Systems (CAMGIS) at the Faculty of Engineering and IT, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Australia.
Professor Pradhan is a recipient of numerous prestigious recognitions, including being listed among the World's Most Highly Cited Researchers by Clarivate Analytics for five consecutive years (2016-2020), highlighting his global influence in geospatial science. He was ranked #1 globally in 'Geological & Geomatics Engineering' for the years 2021-2025 by Stanford University researchers.
He is an awardee of the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship and served as an Ambassador Scientist for the Humboldt Foundation from 2015 to 2021. In addition, he was appointed as a World Class Professor by Indonesia's Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education between 2018-2020.
Professor Pradhan has authored more than 910 publications (with over 83,000 citations and an H-index of 147) and has published ten books and thirteen book chapters. He has received 58 awards since 2006 for excellence in research, teaching, and service.
Dr Tony Ladson
Victoria University, Footscray, Victoria, Australia
Talk Title: Incorporating climate change into design flood estimation: practical challenges for floodplain managers
Abstract: Australian Rainfall and Runoff, the guide to design flood estimation for Australia, was updated in August 2024 to include procedures for incorporating climate change impacts into the generation of design floods that are used to manage flood risk. The new guidance is well explained and based on best available science but practical challenges remain for floodplain managers. These challenges include selecting values for the following six aspects required for flood modelling: 1) the time horizon for risk planning; 2) an appropriate climate change scenario (this could be a Shared Socioeonomic Pathway or a Global Warming Level); 3) a suitable exceedance probability (1% AEP is commonly adopted but risk-based approaches could be used); 4) sea-level to use as a downstream boundary condition for hydraulic modelling (which will be influenced by sea-level rise, through the choice of climate change scenario and time horizon); 5) loss parameters for hydrologic modelling (which depend on surface type, climate change scenario and time horizon); 6) quantifying the effect of climate change on 'pre-burst' rainfall depth. In this paper I outline the options to address each of these 6 aspects and discussion current thinking on the best approaches.
Biography of the Speaker: Tony Ladson has over 39 years' experience in hydrology and river management and has worked on projects throughout Australia and in the US, Taiwan and PNG. As well as being the Managing Director of Moroka Pty Ltd, he is an adjunct Associate Professor at Victoria University, a registered professional engineer in the State of Victoria, a Fellow of Engineers Australia and was previously a member of the National Committee on Water Engineering. Tony has published over 130 journal and conference papers, authored a book on Australian Hydrology for Oxford University Press and contributed two chapters to Australian Rainfall and Runoff.
Professor Md. Jakariya
North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Talk Title: Safe Water Atlas for Sustainable Drinking Water Supply in Bangladesh: Challenges, Consequences, and Sustainable Solutions
Abstract: The search of safe drinking water has always been a challenge for the developing countries including Bangladesh due to the presence of harmful micro-organisms, heavy metal contamination in shallow aquifers and depletion of groundwater table. The objective of this study was to identify the depth for extracting safe water and to develop safe water atlas for different unions of Sonargaon Upazila to ensure a year-round safe water supply. The study also highlights the historical shift from surface water to tube-wells for accessing groundwater, driven by their affordability and user-friendly nature. The discovery of arsenic contamination in tube-well water raised serious public health concerns, leading to the exploration of alternative water sources and extraction techniques. The concentration of arsenic, manganese and iron in groundwater was assessed and compared with WHO standard and national standard. Furthermore, the study discusses the consequences of high-yielding technologies and increased water consumption in Sonargaon Upazila, leading to groundwater-related disasters and a decline in the groundwater table. A lithological profile of the study area was developed to validate the indigenous knowledge of targeting safe depth based on sand color. To address the challenges of groundwater depletion and contamination, the study develops a safe water atlas for a specific region in Bangladesh, serving as a decision-making tool for households. The atlas identifies depths at which tube-wells can be installed to obtain uncontaminated groundwater, helping people make informed choices and avoid potential health risks. Additionally, the safe water atlas can support the development of safe drinking water distribution plans and assist local drillers and residents in decision-making processes.
Biography of the Speaker: Prof. Jakariya specializes in Human Geography, Environmental Risk Assessment, Climate Change Adaptation, Water Resources Management and GIS. Prof. Jakariya is currently working as Professor of the Department of Environmental Science and Management of North South University (www.northsouth.edu). He has a wide range of experience in designing and implementing action research in the field of environment and development. He worked as a lead researcher for many national and international organizations mostly on natural resources management and sustainable development issues for more than two decades. Prof. Jakariya received MPhil degree in Environment and Development from University of Cambridge, UK, in 2000, and Ph.D. from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Sweden in 2007. Prof. Jakariya published a good number of papers in international peer-reviewed journals and books.
Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury
North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Talk Title: Social Business Models as Tools for Equitable Water Access: Bangladesh and Beyond
Abstract: The research investigates the role of social business in addressing global water accessibility challenges, with a specific focus on Bangladesh's persistent water crisis. Rooted in the framework established by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, social business is defined as a financially self-sustaining enterprise that reinvests profits to achieve social goals rather than pursue shareholder gain. The research explores the foundational principles of social business—compassionate capitalism, ethical operations, and the prioritization of community welfare—and analyzes how these models create systemic impact across sectors. Focusing on water-related social innovations, the paper examines scalable interventions such as water ATMs, microfinance-supported water infrastructure, and technology-driven solutions like IoT-enabled filtration systems. In Bangladesh, where 40% of the population faces arsenic contamination or salinity intrusion, initiatives such as Drinkwell’s automated kiosks, Grameen-Veolia’s rural water services, and Water.org's financing partnerships exemplify effective localized responses. Despite significant achievements, social businesses continue to face structural challenges, including access to patient capital, limited appeal to traditional investors, difficulties in talent retention, and high operational costs in underserved regions. Nonetheless, the study finds that these enterprises have collectively reached over 24 million people, contributing to measurable improvements in public health, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment. The research concludes that social business offers a viable, scalable model for solving the global water crisis through innovative financing, technology integration, and community-driven approaches. As public-private partnerships and impact investments grow, social businesses are increasingly positioned to serve as key agents in achieving sustainable development goals.
Biography of the Speaker: Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury is the Vice Chancellor of North South University (NSU), Bangladesh, and Chairman of Grameen Bank. A distinguished academic and institutional leader, he has over 35 years of teaching, research, and administrative experience across Bangladesh, Canada, the USA, and China. He formerly served as Vice Chancellor of Primeasia University (2017 - 2020) and Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Eastern University (2014 - 2017), and has held multiple senior roles at NSU, including Dean of the School of Business and Economics (SBE), Director of the BBA Program, and Executive Director of External Relations.
Professor Chowdhury earned his Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering and M.S. in Operations Research from Northeastern University, USA. His research interests include operations management, statistical quality control, quantitative analysis, and social business. He has published over 70 scholarly papers and book chapters and presented at more than 75 international conferences.
A recognized global advocate of social business, Professor Chowdhury has worked closely with Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus and has played a pivotal role in advancing inclusive finance. His leadership extends to international accreditation, having spearheaded NSU's AACSB eligibility and contributed to SAQS peer reviews across South Asia. He has led major research and development initiatives funded by organizations such as the British Council, World Bank, IFC, NSERC, NSF, and PIMS. In recognition of his contributions, Professor Chowdhury was featured by AACSB at ICAM 2022 for his leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Most recently, he was awarded an Honorary Professorship by Nanjing Audit University in China. Through his leadership in academia, research, and financial inclusion, Professor Chowdhury continues to shape the future of education and social progress in Bangladesh and beyond.