Steve Barnett
President
International Assoc of Hydrogeologists - Australian Chapter
Native Language: English
Field of Enquiry: Underground water
Date: 10 August 2004

01. How would you describe the project/s you are currently working on to a non-scientist?
Managing underground water resources to ensure they can be sustainably used for beneficial uses for generations to come.

02. Where, as a scientist, do you see the creativity in your work and/or life?
Presenting depictions of underground water processes which cannot be seen, and would appear abstract to non-scientists.
Deriving simple analogies of complex processes.

03. When you embark on research, do you start with a defined goal or does the goal emerge through the process?
The goal is defined, but the solution emerges through the process.

04. With regard to your research, how would you describe the processes and outcomes in terms of the concepts 'natural' and 'artificial'?
Underground water resources are a natural system, but man's development of them creates an artificial stress on them.

05. Where do you gain inspiration and support for your work?
Colleagues , farmers (users of underground water).

06. How are possible applications from your research determined?
Consultation with farming community, colleagues.

07. Do you share a language with other scientists (across cultures)? If so please describe how this language works.
Common scientific terminology.

08. Does your work encompass or involve a possible benefit (tangible or intangible) to society? If so, how would you describe this benefit to non-scientists?
It provides sustainable economic development in rural communities.

09. Would you describe your future world view as pessimistic or optimistic? Why?
Optimistic - despite human frailties (greed, ignorance), improvements in technology and the indominatable human spirit will prevail.

10. Do you believe you share this future world view with other scientists (in your field) or would you describe this view as personal?
Personal.