Professor Willem Vervoort

Willem is the leading hydrologist at The University of Sydney and an expert in quantitative Hydrology and Catchment Management and simulation modelling. He currently is the Director of the ARC Training Centre in Data Analytics for Resources and Environment (DARE). DARE’s mission is to deliver the next generation of data scientists working on the interface of core Data Science and domain science in Minerals, Water and Biodiversity.  Willem’s main research focus is on understanding change related to management actions given high variability of climate and landscape characteristics.

Willem combines remote sensing, field data and simulation modelling to develop quantitative tools scaling from the field to the continent. Current projects include Bayesian model optimisation, multi-objective model optimisation, understanding model uncertainty in relation to observed water quality and quantity, and the use of satellite data to improve model structures and predictions. Recent work developed soil moisture predictions for Australia and water accounting tools from the field to the landscape. 

Willem has extensive experience working with industry in projects with the Cotton industry, Grains industry, Icon water, and more recently with a European/Australian consortium of SME in the water value chain. Willem has worked in Indonesia, Uruguay, Mexico and India, delivering capacity building programs and management advice. He is currently advising the Uruguayan Agricultural research institute on future research directions in water.