DFID’s challenges and opportunities for delivering water security in a post-MDG world

As the Millennium Development Goals come to a close in 2015, the international development community finds itself at a transition point. Decision-makers have the exciting and daunting task of shaping global policy for the coming generations. This blog is based on a talk delivered by Jean-Paul Penrose, DFID’s Senior Water Resources Adviser, part of the Water Security, Growth and Development seminar series.

Dr Rene Bañares-Alcántara develops new optimisation model for analysis and evaluation of water policies

Dr Rene Bañares-Alcántara and Aidid Chee Tahi from Oxford University’s Department of Engineering Science have developed a new modelling system which can help policymakers evaluate water policies. The modelling system was presented on Monday 29 October at the 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Annual Meeting.

Professor David Grey speaks on transboundary water management at IIASA Conference

David Grey was among the many distinguished speakers participating in the IIASA Conference which was held in Vienna and Laxenburg, Austria on 24-26 October 2012. Watch the video of his talk on the challenges of transboundary water management in a changing world.

Vacancy: Research Fellow – Use of Models and Predictions in Resource Stewardship

The Institute for Science, Innovation and Society (InSIS) is looking to appoint a social scientist to a Research Fellowship in use of models and predictions in resource stewardship for a fixed term of three years. The fellowship forms part of the Oxford Martin Programme on Resource Stewardship.

Dr Harry Verhoeven finalist of the Global Water Forum’s Emerging Scholars Award

Dr Harry Verhoeven’s article ‘Big is beautiful: Megadams, African water security, and China’s role in the new global political economy’ was selected as one of ten finalists in the Global Water Forum’s Emerging Scholars Award.

Jim Hall’s work on coastal flooding shortlisted for Lloyd’s Science of Risk Prize

Professor Jim Hall contributed to work on the Tyndall Centre’s Regional Coastal Simulator which has been shortlisted for the Lloyd’s Science of Risk Prize 2012.

Smart Handpumps feature on BBC Click

Oxford University’s Smart Handpumps project aims to improve rural water security by automatically monitoring handpump performance which trigger maintenance responses. Watch the video!

Feature publication: How will 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, and 4°C global temperature rise affect rainfall in Africa?

A new study by Rachel James and Professor Richard Washington at Oxford’s School of Geography and the Environment examines the projected changes in temperature and rainfall in Africa with 1 °C, 2 °C, 3 °C, and 4 °C of global warming.