The University of Queensland’s Dr Vilim Filipović was one of several awardees at the recent CRC TiME ceremony.
Dr Filipović, a soil scientist at UQ’s School of Agriculture and Food Sustainability, was awarded the Outstanding Research Communication award, which recognises excellence in science communication and facilitating the use of research.
The judging panel noted Dr Filipović’s efforts to engage and reach broad audiences, using a variety of channels – national and global conference presentations, webinars, keynote addresses and social media – to translate complex information for different audiences.
“The complexity of the topic makes it challenging to communicate efficiently within different groups, thus making this recognition even more meaningful,” Dr Filipović said.
“Communicating the specifics of my findings are crucial to ensure listeners properly understand soil cover ecohydrological responses and its importance to the long-term agricultural sustainability.”
Dr Filipović’s project, which is officially lead by Professor Thomas Baumgartl (Federation University and UQ Sustainable Minerals Institute), is exploring the possible consequences of climate change on the performance of vegetation on soil covers in mine rehabilitation environments in the Latrobe Valley.
“Specifically, it looked into the impact it may have on long-term landform stability of soil covers,” Dr Filipović said.
“It’s a first-of-its-kind study that links climate change predictions, soil hydrological performance and drought indicators with plant performance under conditions of rehabilitation in the Latrobe Valley.
“It’s expected the study will inform potential adaptation in requirements for the design and construction of soil covers in rehabilitation for ensuring long-term stable landform conditions.”
See the full list of CRC TiME award winners and learn more about the project.
