How a childhood spent in playing in creeks has morphed into an award winning – and globetrotting – career for SA Young Tall Poppy in Science, Dr Eddie Banks

What is your role and what does your work focus on?

I’m a Senior Research Fellow with the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training and the College of Science and Engineering. I’m a hydrogeologist by trade and undertake all things related to water – above and below ground. My research looks to investigate the availability and long-term sustainability of freshwater resources and to help understand the physical processes that lead to their existence.

Through my research and outreach activities, I show how and why rigorous scientific research can support policy and decision makers, ultimately resulting in better water management outcomes. My special interest involves applying novel field techniques to gain a better understanding of these processes, not just in Australia, but in surface water and groundwater systems around the world.

What journey brought you to this point in your career?

I grew up on a rural property in the Adelaide Hills and was always playing down in the creek. My interest in water science started in high school, when I was working part-time as a landscaper, designing and building water gardens. I had a feeling that I’d end up working in a water-related field and, after a year travelling overseas after school, I returned to Adelaide to do an environmental science degree with a major in hydrogeology. This laid the groundwork for a successful PhD in 2012 that focussed on investigating surface water-groundwater interactions in fractured rock catchments, and a pathway emerged that has nurtured my interest in researching sustainable water resources, as well as providing me with a great way to see the world.

What is something you are most proud of?

I’ve travelled and worked in very remote areas of the world, where local communities don’t have reliable access and sources of freshwater. I love the opportunity to have a real-world impact on these communities, and show ways that STEM can benefit water resource managers, policy makers and the communities they serve.

I also find it rewarding to train and upskill people who often don’t have access tools we use in the field. So, for me, it’s not only about publishing new research, but also getting science and cutting-edge techniques out there to help build capacity within communities.

What does being named a 2021 Young Tall Poppy in Science mean for you and your work?

It means a lot to me as I navigate and pursue a research career and develop my skills as a passionate science leader and educator. The award has come at the right time, as I’m currently a participant in the Fleurieu Future Leaders program, which seeks to develop and build the next generation of leaders in the community within the Fleurieu region.

Through this personal development and leadership course, it has made me challenge the stigma we have here in Australia around the saying ‘Tall Poppy’, and that it is actually OK to recognise, appreciate and be proud of the valuable contribution that my research is making to community and society as a whole.

What does a normal day look like for you?

I really enjoy that my work is so diverse and not one day seems to be normal. It generally involves simmering several research projects on the go, all at once and in parallel.

I work with a great bunch of colleagues, project partners and enthusiastic students to investigate water-related problems or to develop new insights into understanding a key hydrological process or concept. Talking and sharing science is lots of fun!

The day-to-day work involves a healthy mix of field work activities in exotic and remote locations around the world, as well as time spent processing, analysing and publishing the research outcomes. There is also regular engagement with project team members and the supervision and training of postgrad students.

How do you like to relax or spend your spare time?

I’m fortunate to live near the township of Willunga, on several acres with a permanent creek that runs through the property. It’s only a hop, skip and jump to amazing places and awesome food in the beautiful McLaren Vale wine region. I enjoy spending time at home with my family (beautiful partner + two delightfully playful kids), working on creative projects and surfing further down the south coast or mountain biking in the hills with friends.