On 20–21 November 2025, the IoT Water Hub hosted its inaugural Confluences event at QUT's Gardens Point campus — the first major gathering since the Hub became operational on 10 October 2025. The two-day event brought together researchers, industry partners, and government collaborators from across Australia to connect, share insights, and begin shaping the direction of the Hub's research program.
Day One: Discovery and Connection
Confluences opened with an exclusive tour of QUT's WISE Lab (Water: Effective Technologies Research Centre) at Q Block. Partners had the opportunity to see firsthand the innovative sensing technologies and water treatment research being developed — the very capabilities that underpin the Hub's research agenda.
The evening continued with an Industry and Collaborator Reception in the Gibson Room, where attendees networked in a relaxed setting. The reception celebrated the partners, innovators, and collaborators who have made the IoT Water Hub possible, and provided space for the kind of conversations that turn professional connections into genuine partnerships.
Day Two: A Full Day of Collaboration
The workshop day at GP-506/506A featured a packed program designed around interaction and shared problem-solving. The morning sessions opened with an overview of the Hub's management structure and governance, followed by a detailed walkthrough of the project lifecycle and proposal submission process — giving partners a clear pathway from research idea to funded project.
The five research theme leaders then each presented their priorities, directions, and opportunities across the Hub's core areas: Sensors, Placement and Operation; Networks, Data, Security and Standards; Advanced Analysis and Visualisation; Asset Control and Decision Making; and Business Models and Engaged Communities.
A WaterRA training discussion explored capability-building opportunities for researchers and partners, followed by two rounds of collaborative roundtable sessions. Partners rotated between theme tables, enabling cross-theme discussions and ensuring diverse perspectives shaped the priorities for each research area. Real-time Slido polling captured feedback throughout the day, giving the Hub immediate insight into partner priorities and success metrics.
What's Next
The ideas and collaboration opportunities that emerged from Confluences are now informing the Hub's project development pipeline. Workshop materials, presentations, and recordings are available to all partners through the Hub's SharePoint portal. Planning is already underway for the next Confluences gathering.
For more information or to get involved, contact us at iotwater@qut.edu.au.