Research Discovery Portal

Discover research opportunities, emerging ideas and ways to contribute to the future of the water sector.

WaterRA brings the water sector together to tackle shared challenges through collaborative research. Explore opportunities to contribute ideas, shape future research directions, invest in priority projects and deliver research that creates real-world impact.

Research Ideas

Share an idea worth exploring.
Submit research concepts, challenges or opportunities that could inform future WaterRA research priorities and help address issues facing the water sector.

Emerging Opportunities

Discover opportunities to get involved.
Explore current opportunities seeking participation, expertise and support across research, committees, student programs and industry initiatives. Find an opportunity that interests you and express your interest to get involved.

Requests for Funding (RFFs)

Invest in priority research.
Support collaborative research projects that have been developed and are seeking funding partners to address shared challenges across the water sector.

Requests for Proposals (RFPs)

Deliver research with real‑world impact.
Tender for WaterRA research projects and apply your expertise to help solve priority challenges facing the water sector.

Understanding WaterRA's Research Pathways

WaterRA delivers research through a range of collaborative pathways designed to address industry priorities, support member needs and strengthen research impact across the water sector.

Industry-led Program

Collaborative research for shared industry challenges
Industry-led projects are managed by WaterRA and co-funded by multiple partners to address knowledge gaps identified and prioritised by the water sector. These projects deliver solutions to challenges that are common across the industry.

Tailored Program

Research designed around specific organisational needs
Tailored projects are managed by WaterRA and funded by one or more industry partners. Research questions and project scope are developed collaboratively to address a specific knowledge need or business challenge.

Partnership Program

Connecting members with major research initiatives
Partnership projects are led by external organisations, with WaterRA contributing as an industry connector, collaborator or service provider. These initiatives help members participate in large-scale research programs aligned with sector priorities.

Research Leadership Program

Developing future industry leaders through research
Research Leadership projects are undertaken by students in collaboration with WaterRA members, generating practical outcomes for the water sector while supporting the next generation of researchers and industry leaders.

Learn more about our research program

Explore WaterRA’s research library, featuring over 25 years of collaborative research supporting evidence‑based decision making across the Australian water sector.

View the Library