Making Waves: Joining forces for better doctoral education in water research

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science and Engineering
• Higher Education Studies

Background:

• Doctoral graduates in water increasingly work outside academia.
• Graduates face challenges in understanding complex systems and integrating interdisciplinary knowledge for sustainable solutions.
• Supervisors grapple with interdisciplinary research demands and diverse objectives, impacting wellbeing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reorient doctoral education in water towards cultivating change agents for sustainable futures.
• To identify priority actions for key stakeholders in doctoral water research.
• To foster innovation and resilience in water solutions through enhanced doctoral training.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of insights from higher education literature.
• Analysis of current doctoral programs in water research.
• Identification of actionable strategies for supervisors, supervisees, research groups, universities, and industry.

Main Results:

• Proposed actions focus on resourcing, teamwork, and systematic progress structures.
• Emphasis on developing skills for complex systems thinking and interdisciplinary integration.
• Strategies aim to support supervisors and enhance the doctoral learning environment.

Conclusions:

• Elevating doctoral education is crucial for driving innovation in sustainable water management.
• Collaborative efforts among stakeholders are needed to transform supervision and education.
• Establishing supportive structures will foster communities of practice for interdisciplinary water research.