Guest editorial
Article Type: Guest editorial From: Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, Volume 21, Issue 2
About the Guest Editor
Craig FroomeCurrently researching renewable energy scenarios at The University of Queensland and has recently been appointed to the University’s Renewable Energy Technical Advisory Committee, which will look at renewable energy projects that may be implemented within the University’s campuses for the purposes of not only energy generation, but also looking at research and teaching opportunities. He has a number of years of consulting experience and holds degrees from the University of Newcastle (BCom), Southern Cross University (BBus) and The University of Queensland (MEnvMan). He can be contacted at c.froome@uq.edu.au
The Environment Research Event (ERE) began 14 years ago at the University of Queensland, as a means for postgraduate students to present their research to fellow students, senior academics and industry partners in a relaxed environment. In 1997 this research event went national and has since evolved to incorporate international delegates. ERE provides researchers and environmental professionals a unique opportunity for networking, and to observe and discuss the development of research in the environmental, engineering, economic, and social sciences fields. This, the 12th conference was held in Noosa, Queensland,Australia in May 2009, with the underlying theme being: Water, Energy, Climate Change and Society: Putting the Pieces Together.
The conference provides an arena for developing academics to not only showcase their current research, but also provides workshops on how to write academic papers and presentation skills. A number of keynote speakers are also present to not only provide topical presentations, but to provide comment and input into the delegates research objectives and presentations delivered. For many this is the first opportunity to network with colleagues at the same level from varied academic institutions within their chosen field, to share ideas and most importantly to learn.
The papers presented prior to being formally reviewed went through an internal peer review with reviewers selected from delegates presenting in the same theme. Following any amendment they were forwarded on to this journal’s editor for consideration and review, with this process building on the conferences core objective of adding to the learning process of developing academics.
As evidenced by the selection of papers presented in this issue, the topics covered are quite diverse and the insights into environmental issues affecting different social, economic and industry sectors provide many outlooks on environmental issues not previously considered by most delegates as they are squirreled away into their own niche area. Topics such as water allocations during a time of severe drought in Australia’s rich agricultural areas,natural resource valuation tools, fun environmentalism and opinion leaders were just some of the topics covered this year.
For most of the authors, this is the first opportunity they have had to publish their work and while this may be a milestone, any feedback received would be greatly appreciated. As noted earlier, the purpose of this conference is to provide opportunities for early stage academics to develop the skills they need and the contribution provided by this journal, the editor Professor Walter Leal and the review committee has greatly contributed to us meeting these objectives.
The next ERE conference will be held in June 2010 and will focus on Transitions to a Sustainable Future, continuing on from 2009’s work, with many of the delegates once again expressing interest in submitting abstracts for consideration. We look forward to again being able to present a selection of papers for MEQ readers.
Craig FroomeSchool of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
