Leading international scientist to speak at SCU

A scientist with an international reputation for his multi-disciplinary researches in the agricultural and plant sciences will give a seminar at Southern Cross University (SCU) this Monday, August 4, at 11am.

Dr David Charles-Ewards was included in the international biography '2000 Outstanding Scientists of the 20th Century' published by the International Biography Centre, Cambrigde.

The talk at SCU will relate to his new book, An Australian Environmental Handbook, produced in CD form, based on his experiences working on environmental management issues in Australia over the past 12 years.

“His work involves the application of pure science to everyday problems,” said Dr Alison Specht, in the School of Environmental Science and Management, who organised the seminar.

“He’s got a very good skill of looking at general, rather complicated, environmental problems and crystalising the basic principles involved quite quickly,” Dr Specht said.

Dr Charles-Edwards, who now lives in Brisbane, was originally from England. He has lived in Australia for the past 20 years, including working for such institutions as the CSIRO, Griffith University, and is a past president of the Australian Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology (Queensland). He set up his own company and has been working in private industry for the past 12 years.

He will speak on Engineering the Biotic (living) Environment, in SCU's Science block, room S203, from 11am to 12 noon.

The leading scientist is the author of more than 100 scientific papers published in international refereed journals. An Australian Environmental Handbook is Dr Charles-Edwards’ fifth book, and is aimed at university students, consultants, councils and environmental protection agencies. It concerns the links between the environment, such as climate and soil, and the natural and managed terrestrial (land) ecosystem. It covers such topics as the Greenhouse Effect, Predicting Local Rainfall, Salinity, Crop Production and Animal Production.

The Handbook is based on a series of technical reports prepared by Dr Charles-Edwards and his team over the past 12 years, and other information researched in the process.

“It provides a body of information and understanding that helps integrate the multi-disciplinary studies that need to be undertaken to allow robust environmental assessments,” he said. “It aims to provide an understanding of the range of physical and biotic issues that are required when addressing any environmental issues.”

Dr Charles-Edwards is an expert on issues relating to the sustainable re-use and disposal of wastewater. He was a member of the Queensland Wastewater Re-use Strategy Technical Advisory Group, and on the Queensland Department of Health's Expert Working Group of Water Supplies.

For further information contact: Sara Crowe, Media Liaison, SCU, Ph: 02 6620 3144, or contact Dr Charles-Edwards on his mobile on 0411 856 706.