ACSC praised by cloud seeding expert

A leading authority on cloud seeding has praised the Australian Centre for Sustainable Catchments (ACSC) for their research in the area.

Dr Roelof Bruintjes, from the National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in the United States visited the USQ Toowoomba campus to present a seminar and also strengthen ties with the University.

'His visit was to solidify the relationship that exists between the NCAR and USQ, which is built around research into cloud seeding,' Director of the ACSC Professor Roger Stone said.

'While he was here he agreed to present a seminar on could seeding and, as always, his presentation was very interesting.

'While talking about research that he has undertaken he mentioned the good work of the ACSC and that is a real bonus for us.'

Professor Stone added that it was a good opportunity for people to hear from someone with vast experience in the field of cloud seeding.

'He is one of the world’s leading experts in cloud physics, so to hear what he had to say about research that is being conducted was exciting.

'His depth of understanding of cloud seeding means that we here at the ACSC can learn a lot from him.'

In his first visit to Queensland and USQ, Dr Bruintjes was delighted to get the chance to speak at the University.

'Most of the time that I have been in Queensland I have been meeting with the Department of Natural Resources and Water (NRW),' Dr Bruintjes said.

'It is good to come to places like USQ and see the work that is been done here first hand.'

With the ACSC and the NCAR at the forefront of cloud seeding research, Dr Bruintjes said that great advances were being made in the field.

'This could be the first time that we can get some answers to questions that we have not been able to get previously,' he said.

The seminar also came at an important time continued Professor Stone who said that the collaboration was vital if the concept was to be successful.

'It is timely that Dr Bruintjes was at the University,' he said.

'Cloud physics is an important topic at the moment and having people like this give their input will only help cloud seeding further advance.'

Media Contact: Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2092