The UNSW Water Research Lab is a world-leading fundamental and applied research organisation focused on improving water engineering problems faced by the world. Located at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, the lab brings together experts from various fields. This includes a blend of professional engineers and scientists completing commercial investigations for industry and government, and an academic team focussed on high quality education and pure research. This is done with succes, by bridging the gap between industry and academia. The globally-esteemed laboratory spans four hectares. Their main goal is to tackle the challenges related to water resources.

The lab conducts research on topics like coastal engineering and management, hydrology and water resources, eco engineering and climate change adaption, groundwater, hydraulic engineering and environmental fluid mechanics, and offshore renewable energy. By using advanced technology, equipment and innovative methods, researchers study how to protect and manage water resources effectively. This work is crucial for ensuring clean water for communities and ecosystems.

In addition to research, the UNSW Water Research Lab also collaborates with governments, industries, and communities. These partnerships help translate scientific findings into practical solutions that can be applied in real-world situations. The lab also offers training and education programs to raise awareness about water issues and promote sustainable practices.

We first visited lab 1. At this Lab, they focus on innovative solutions for water management through various testing methods. One model feature we saw is the prop wash basin. In this basin the researchers are examining retrofitting techniques to conduct various sediment tests. This allows them to evaluate different scenarios effectively. To measure results, we learned that the approach depends on the specific objectives. The lab uses electric weirs to measure waves and props to determine water speed, sometimes also using video analysis based on what is being measured. They told us that physical modeling is mainly being used at this laboratory, with around 75% of tests conducted on scale models. But besides physical modelling, significant fieldwork and the use of numerical models is also used, which is around the remaining 25%.

The researchers at the lab serves a variety of clients, from companies and governmental to educational institutions. The projects vary in duration and focus based on who the project is aimed for. The researchers told us that the laboratory is part of the university, so the lab operates on a non-profit basis, reinvesting all funds into their researchers, facilities and equipment .

At lab 1 we also saw models for specific projects like a scale model of the Somerset dam, which is designed to manage increased rainfall. Another scale model that we saw was testing sea-level rise in the Marshall Islands. This project simulates coastal conditions, evaluating seawalls and a small bit of using nature-based solutions (NbS) for ecological protection and infrastructure resilience. We also explored a large flume for studying wave dynamics.

In lab 2 they were constructing a new physical model, which was part of the Somerset dam. Since it was still in construction, there we only been there a short amount of time. Next to lab 2 a relatively new lab was created dedicated to fish behavior. This model ivestigates energy-efficient fish passage designs.

The last model we visited was a 3D philydical model. This was one huge model in which they can stimulate coastal defense in 3D. This means they can use angled waves to test coastal protection methods.  The lab is continually upgrading and changing its facilities, integrating advanced technology for more accurate modeling and analysis.