Its collaborative approach to science brings together world-class researchers from universities across Australia to work with end users (industry, government) and consultants on real end-user issues. In addition to its substantial research program, CRC CARE also plays a key role in training and educating students, consultants and end users in the field of environmental risk assessment and remediation.

Recognising this as a highly specialised field of research, CRC CARE’s education program selects post-graduate students to work in conjunction with its researchers to find solutions to local and global issues. The aim is to produce a new cohort of highly qualified, suitably trained and industry-ready scientists to help in the fight against environmental contamination – something which CRC CARE is succeeding in, with 64 PhD students across Australia and China having already been supported during its six years of operation.

The industry training program focuses on enhancing knowledge and encouraging professional development of environment industry professionals, and raising the awareness of new concepts and technologies in contamination assessment, remediation and prevention. Training is designed to meet end user needs, and is often organised in conjunction with other industry peak bodies. To date, over 2500 professionals have been trained on various industry-related topics.

CRC CARE’s training and workshops are carried out through the Australian Remediation Industry Cluster (ARIC), which was established by the CRC in 2007 to facilitate knowledge-sharing throughout the remediation industry. ARIC plays an important role in industry education and in the transfer of CRC CARE technology and information to end users, and is supported by a website and magazine, Remediation Australasia (www.remediationaustralasia.com.au), for the dissemination of information.

Further details on CRC CARE’s education and training activities, and its research program, can be found at www.crccare.com