Welcome Back to NCGRT in 2026 

Welcome back to the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training for 2026. We hope you enjoyed a restful and joyful holiday season and are ready for an exciting year ahead.

This year promises a full program of training, events, research, and opportunities to connect with the groundwater community. Early highlights include the Australian Groundwater School in February and the Introduction to Contaminant Hydrogeology course in March.

Thank you for being part of our community. We look forward to engaging with you throughout 2026.

Short Course: Australian Groundwater School

23-27 February – Live Online
$2,100.00

The Australian Groundwater School offers a comprehensive introduction to groundwater hydrology. Designed to provide a “big picture” overview, the School combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, giving students a deep understanding of the science, management, and technology of groundwater systems.

The Australian Groundwater School has grown to become Australia’s leading short course for groundwater professionals. The program is offered twice yearly and is ideal for those seeking a broad, well-rounded understanding of groundwater hydrology. No prior knowledge is required.

Topics include:

• Introduction to Groundwater
• Hydrogeology and hydraulics
• Fractured rock aquifers
• Groundwater modelling
• Groundwater dependent ecosystems
• Microbiology, contamination, and remediation
• Introductory geophysics
• Mining hydrogeology
• Seawater intrusion

The online School is hosted by Professor Okke Batelaan from Flinders University, with lectures delivered by experts from academia, government, and industry. Participants benefit from real-world case studies and a mix of online presentations, tutorials, and self-paced videos, allowing flexible and interactive learning.

Short Course: Introduction to Contaminant Hydrogeology

12-13 March – Live Online
$785.00

NCGRT has partnered with the Australasian Land & Groundwater Association to present the online course: Introduction to Contaminant Hydrogeology.

The course draws on principles of hydrogeology and hydrochemistry to discuss the physical, chemical, and biological processes affecting solute transport in groundwater. This includes plume spreading through hydrodynamic dispersion, principles of diffusion and back diffusion, sorption reactions and resulting retardation of contaminants, and degradation processes such as redox reactions and microbially mediated transformations. We introduce analytical and numerical model approaches, frequently used in industry to quantify transport velocities and concentrations in groundwater systems.

Numerous hands-on exercises will be used to facilitate learning, including worked examples and case studies involving a range of contaminant types.

Who Should Attend:

• Environmental Scientists
• Hydrologists/Hydrogeologists
• Environmental Engineers
• Regulatory Professionals
• Industry Practitioners
• Contaminated land professionals

Short Course: Australian Groundwater School Refresher

20 March – Live Online
$700.00

The Groundwater School Refresher is a one-day course designed for those who have already completed the Groundwater School, but who would like to refresh and update their knowledge. The Course will cover groundwater hydraulics, groundwater quality, interaction between groundwater and the environment (groundwater dependent ecosystems and surface water – groundwater interactions), and groundwater management (resource allocation and sustainability).

Lectures will be given by expert presenters with an extensive knowledge of Australia’s groundwater challenges. The learning material is a mix of recorded videos and live online presentations and discussions.

Prerequisite: Attendees must have completed the Groundwater School.

For more information, go to groundwater.com.au.