New Charles Darwin U VC Scott Bowman always looks happy at a funding announcement

It took a whole four days since he started for there to be one – Professor Bowman was at the Friday announcement of the federally funded Northern Australia Drought Resilience Hub, based at CDU.

Professor Bowman was expert in attracting funding when VC of CQU – starting work, which may pay-off on acquiring the ultimate status-symbol – a medical school (CMM March 9 2018, February 21)).  The drought hub was probably won long before his appointment but if there is a flood relief research programme you can bet Professor Bowman will be on to it.

Drought hubs are being established across the country, with this one covering the top ends of Northern Territory and WA. There is no word on how much it  will have but others of that ilk get $8m from the feds, plus contributions from participating organisations.

The SA version certainly does –  also announce last week, it will be based at Uni Adelaide’s Roseworthy campus with Flinders U and Uni SA also involved.