I had to be a bit mysterious about my visit to Canberra, as my big news was subject to an embargo. I’ve been awarded a Federation Fellowship, which is one of the biggest awards going for Australian academics ( you can read more here if you’re interested). The award ceremony was yesterday and involved a hastily-arranged flying visit to Canberra. I’ll be working on one of my abiding research interests – the management of the Murray-Darling Basin – along with a continuation of interests in uncertainty and sustainability.

It wasn’t exactly an auspicious day for such an event – the war began a few hours before the awards – but the problems I’m working on will be around long after Saddam has been forgotten.

PS: Along with the award comes a very nice lapel pin – free of charge!