I am excited to write about my experience during the 52nd International Association of Hydrogeologists Groundwater Congress in Melbourne, Australia, as an Early Career researcher in the domain of groundwater, and a Steering Committee member of the Early Career Hydrogeologists’ Network (ECHN), IAH. This was my third IAH Congress, and I have been an active member of IAH for 10 years. I recall attending my first IAH Congress in 2015, the 42nd Congress in Rome, Italy, whilst I was completing my Erasmus Exchange PhD Program at Politecnico di Torino (Polito), Turin, Italy, with the late Prof. Marian De Miao. She encouraged and supported me to become a member of IAH in 2015 to learn and contribute to groundwater studies. Participating in the IAH Congress was an enlightening and transformative experience.
During the congress, I had the opportunity to attend a field excursion and visit the Historical Gold Mine in Walhalla, where I learnt about the history of gold mining in the area and its connection to the groundwater system. I participated in ECHN activities and had the opportunity to share knowledge and network with Early Career researchers during the Book Exchange. I also had the chance to meet some of the ECHN members in person for the first time and share our ECHN experiences. It was a fruitful experience as a panellist in the Youth Debate on “Which poses a greater threat to groundwater resources: current human activities or projected climate change?” jointly organised by ECHN and Groundwater Youth Network (GWYN) during the Congress.
Ashwani and other Early Career Hydrogeologists participate in the Youth Debate organised by IAH-ECHN and GWYN
The 52nd IAH Congress offered an excellent opportunity to learn about several innovative and key concepts in sustainable groundwater management at the regional and global scales. Lectures from the eminent hydrogeologists were fruitful and impactful. Furthermore, the Congress Welcome Reception, ECR/Student Networking Function, and Gala Dinner provided a platform for networking with researchers, exchanging research thoughts, and gaining insights from the experiences of senior hydrogeologists. As an early-career researcher, I believe that the 52nd IAH Congress provided an exclusive platform for young and early-career researchers to present their research and develop connections with researchers across the globe.
Furthermore, I got a chance to meet the brilliant and knowledgeable people within the IAH team; the President, the Vice-Presidents, the Secretary General, the Executive Manager, and the ECHN members. I also visited some beautiful places in Melbourne and along the Great Ocean Road because of the 52nd IAH Congress.
(Left: The IAH AGM, Right: Ashwani at the IAH-ECHN AGM)
I extend my heartfelt thanks to the IAH and ECHN-IAH for their financial support in attending the 52nd IAH Groundwater Congress in Melbourne, Australia.
(Left: The IAH-ECHN Book Exchange event, Right: Ashwani on the field trip to the historical gold mine in Walhalla)
