Professor Craig T Simmons FTSE

Leading global advances in the science of hydrogeology

Professor Craig T Simmons FTSE (PhD(SE) ’97) is one of Australia’s foremost groundwater academics and has been a significant contributor to global advances in the science of hydrogeology for many years.

Craig has made breakthrough discoveries about the hidden world of groundwater, using theory, experiment, field work and cutting-edge computational simulations. His work is answering critical questions about our environment, food and water security, coal seam gas and fracking, mining and nuclear and radioactive waste disposal.

As Director of the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training, Craig has positioned Australia as a world leader at the forefront of groundwater science.

His outstanding record of personal contributions to Australian science, education and policy reform are helping to build a prosperous and sustainable Australia.

Craig is Deputy Chair and member of the Australian Government’s Statutory Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development (IESC) and also a member of the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Roundtable on Unconventional Hydrocarbon Development.

At Flinders University, Craig is the Matthew Flinders Distinguished Professor of Hydrogeology and the Schultz Chair in the Environment. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and Deputy Chair of the Academy's Water Forum.

Professor Simmons’ work has been recognised by numerous prestigious national and international research and teaching awards including the Anton Hales Medal for outstanding contributions to research in the Earth Sciences by the Australian Academy of Science and an Australian Award for University Teaching. He was named the 2015 South Australian Scientist of the Year, the 2017 Australian Water Professional of the Year and 2017 Biennial Medallist of the Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand.

Professor Simmons is Scientist in Residence at The Advertiser. He has served as an Editor and Associate Editor for numerous major international journals including Water Resources Research, Journal of Hydrology, Hydrogeology Journal, Groundwater, Environmental Modeling and Assessment, Water Conservation Science and Engineering, Australian Journal of Water Resources, Vadose Zone Journal and Heliyon.

Professor Craig T Simmons FTSE was awarded a prestigious Flinders University Convocation Medal in 2017 for substantial and outstanding contributions to leadership and the advancement of knowledge, professional practice and community service in groundwater science, education, management and policy.