Dr Francis Chiew: improving our understanding of climate and water

Dr Francis Chiew is developing hydrological models to simulate the way water moves through our catchments.

• 20 October 2009 | Updated 14 October 2011

• Current activities 
• Background 
• Academic qualifications
• Achievements 
• Professional activities  

Current activities

Dr Francis Chiew is a CSIRO Office of the Chief Executive (OCE) Science Leader.

He leads the CSIRO Land and Water, Surface Water Hydrology research program.

He also leads various projects on hydrological modelling and climate impact on water that contribute to key national initiatives including the:

• South Eastern Australian Climate Initiative
• Australian Hydrological Modelling Initiative
• CSIRO Sustainable Yields projects.

Dr Chiew’s research interests include hydrological science and hydrological modelling, hydroclimatic variability and climate impact on water, and urban hydrology.

Background

Dr Chiew has over 15 years experience in research, teaching and consulting in hydrology and water resources and related disciplines.

Dr Chiew joined CSIRO Land and Water in 2006 as an OCE Science Leader.

Prior to joining CSIRO, he was an academic at the University of Melbourne, Australia, for more than ten years.

Dr Chiew is highly regarded internationally in the area of hydrological modelling and hydroclimatic variability.

He leads a significant research portfolio, has been the recipient of prestigious grants and awards and has published over 200 research papers.

He is also active in converting research outcomes to tools for the water industry.

Academic qualifications

Dr Chiew has been awarded a:

• Bachelor of Engineering with First Class Honours in Civil Engineering, from The University of Melbourne in 1987
• Doctor of Philosophy in Hydrology, also from The University of Melbourne in 1991.

Achievements

Dr Chiew has authored over 200 papers including over 70 journal articles, over 15 chapters in books and international monographs, more than 100 refereed conference papers, as well as numerous technical reports.

Dr Chiew has won several awards including the:

• Biennial Medal of the Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand (MSSANZ), 2009
• CSIRO Chairman’s Medal as a key member of the Murray-Darling Basin Sustainable Yields project team, 2008
• Tison Medal for the best paper published by the International Association of Hydrological Science, 2004.

Professional activities

Dr Chiew is a member of a number of professional associations, including:

• Institution of Engineers Australia
• American Geophysical Union
• International Association of Hydrological Sciences
• International Water Association
• Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand.