Holger Maier

Professor Holger Maier

Professor

School of Architecture and Civil Engineering

Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.


Professor, School of Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia.

 

 

Research Interests

Holger's research interests are in developing and applying methods that result in sustainable outcomes, especially when dealing with complex systems in uncertain environments. Examples of this include the development of decision support systems for long-term disaster risk reduction under a range of plausible futures, the development of innovative climate risk assessment and adaptation methods for water systems, the development of adaptive approaches to urban stormwater management using smart technologies and the development of innovative approaches and decision support tools for achieving the renewable energy transition in a sustainable manner.This includes elements of modelling (with a particular focus on AI and machine learning), optimisation (with a particular focus on evolutionary algorithms) and decision support (with a particular focus on strategic planning under deep uncertainty).  

 

 

 

Holger is the recipient of Biennial Medals from the International Environmental Modelling and Simulation Society and the Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand and is an International Advisory Board Member of Environmental Modelling and Software, for which he was an Editor from 2017 to 2023. He is also a member of the Adelaide Education Academy and has received the Carrick Award for Australian University Teaching (Physical and Science Related Categories), the Australasian Association for Engineering Education Excellence in Engineering Education Award and the South Australian Tertiary Science Educator of the Year Award.

Google Scholar Profile

Ranked in the top 0.2% of researchers globally in Environmental Engineering in "Top 2% Scientists"

Relevant Lifetime Global "Scholar GPS" Rankings:

  • Top 0.11% Overall (All Fields)
  • Top 0.07% in Civil & Environmental Engineering
  • Top 0.11% in Engineering and Computer Science

Algorithms / Methods:

  • Top 0.003% in Environmental Modelling
  • Top 0.004% in Artificial Neural Network
  • Top 0.09% in Network Model
  • Top 0.07% in Mathematical Optimization
  • Top 0.1% in Ant Colony Optimization Algorithms
  • Top 0.37% in Genetic Algorithm

Application Areas:

  • Top 0.005% in Water Resources
  • Top 0.32% in Water Supply
  • Top 0.36% in River
  • Top 0.62% in Hydrology
  • Top 0.88% in Greenhouse Gas

Natural Hazards

Selected Projects
  • Improved decision support for natural hazard risk reduction, $2,579,000, Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC, 2014-2024 (Lead CI).

  • Sea Flood Mapping and Impact Assessment for Port Adelaide and Surrounds, $255,000, Disaster Risk Reduction Fund, 2023-2024 (CI).

  • Adaptive Analytical Bushfire Likelihood (AABL) Tool for Better Understanding and Reducing Future Bushfire Risk, $672,250, SmartSat CRC, 2022-2024 (Lead CI).

  • Assessment of Opportunities and Risks Associated with using Different Approaches to Reducing Future Bushfire Risk via Fuel Management, $210,000, Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC/Victorian Country Fire Authority, 2020-2022 (Lead CI).

  • An Integrated Decision Support Tool for Understanding and Responding to Current and Future Flood Risk – Gawler River Catchment, $156,720, Disaster Risk Reduction Fund, 2019 (CI).

  • Integrated Urban Planning for Natural Hazard Mitigation, $540,000, Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC, 2017-2020 (CI).

Presentations
Selected Professional Activities
Decision Support / Software Tools
Additional Information
Selected PhD Students
  • Douglas Radford (2024) (Prinicipal Supervisor) "Optimising fuel treatment plans to achieve bushfire risk reduction objectives using computationally efficient and process-based metamodels"
  • Eike Hamers (2023) (Prinicipal Supervisor) "A coupled approach to regional flood and land-use modelling to determine the impact of land-use-change and mitigation strategies on flood risk reduction"
  • Graeme Riddell (2019) (Co-Supervisor) "Foresight for risk - using scenarios for strategic risk assessment and management of emergent disaster risk"
  • Charles Newland (2018) (Prinicipal Supervisor) "Developing a (semi) automatic calibration procedure for cellular automata based land-use models"
Teaching / Training
  • Maier H.R., Jeanneau A., Radford D.A. and He L. (2023) Integrated natural hazard risk management: A two-week intensive course. In Vaze, J., Chilcott, C., Hutley, L. and Cuddy, S.M. (eds) MODSIM2023, 25th International Congress on Modelling and Simulation. Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand, July 2023, pp. 548-554. ISBN: 978-0-9872143-0-0.
Overview / Opionion Papers
Recent Publications
Other Key Publications

Smart Stormwater

Selected Projects
  • Smart stormwater infrastructure for natural hazard risk reduction, $2,109,000, Disaster Ready Fund, 2024-2027 (CI).

  • Smart detention tank storage - A solution to catchment scale flood risk, $230,272, Stormwater Management Authority, City of Mitcham and City of Norwood Payneham and St. Peters, 2022-2024 (CI).

  • Smart storage optimisation to reduce flooding, $150,000, City of Unley and City of Mitcham, 2019 (CI).

Selected Presentations
Selected PhD Students:
  • Ruijie (Jerry) Liang (2023) (Principal Supervisor) "Real-time control of stormwater storages to improve performance of urban stormwater systems"
  • Michael Di Matteo (2016) (Co-Supervisor) "Multiobjective planning and design of distributed stormwater harvesting and treatment systems through optimization and visual analytics"
Additional Resources
Selected Research Publications
 

 


Hydrology and Water Resources Management

Selected Projects:
  • Opportunities and risks associated with identifying, sourcing and treating brackish groundwater, $299,220, One Basin CRC, 2023-2025 (CI).

  • Developing robust hydrological predictions for Australia's water challenges, $381,000, ARC Discovery Projects, 2019-2024 (CI).

  • Optimal water resources mix for metropolitan Adelaide, 384,000, Goyder Institute for Water Resources, 2012-2013 (CI).

  • Improved modelling of the catchments and drainage network in the upper south east for management outcomes, 179,267, Goyder Institute for Water Resources, 2012-2014 (CI).

  • Managed aquifer recharge and urban stormwater use options, $246,000, Goyder Institute for Water Resources, 2011-2013 (CI).

  • Development of decision support frameworks for water resource management in the South East, $198,000, Goyder Institute for Water Resources, 2011-2012 (CI).

  • Evaluation and application of Source Rivers modelling framework to the South Australian reaches of the River Murray, $80,350, SA Department for Water, 2011 (Lead CI).

  • Innovative approach to the optimal management of water resources and application to the Upper South East Region of South Australia, $600,000, ARC Linkage Projects, 2006-2010 (Lead CI).

  • New techniques for artifical neural network modelling in hydrology, $132,984, ARC Discovery Projects, 2003-2004 (Lead CI).

  • Improving flow management for the control of blue-green algal blooms, $91,000, ARC Discovery Projects, 2002-2004 (Lead CI).

Selected PhD Students:
  • Danlu Guo (2016) (Co-Supervisor) "Practical implementation of the scenario-neutral approach to climate impact assessments for hydrological systems"
  • Eva Beh (2014) (Principal Supervisor) "Optimal sequencing of water supply options incorporating sustainability and uncertainty"
  • Fiona Paton (2014) (Principal Supervisor) "Frameworks for assessing and improving urban water supply security planning under climate change"
  • Li Li (2013) (Principal Supervisor) "Frameworks for evaluating and improving simplified hydrologic models for baseflow and rainfall-runoff estimation using disributed physical models"
  • Daniel Partington (2013) (Principal Supervisor) "Fully integrated modelling of surface-subsurfaceflow processes: Quantifying in-stream and overland flow generation mechanisms"
Overview / Opionion Papers
 
Recent Publications
Other Key Publications

Water Supply

Selected Projects:
  • Optimum control of chloramine in water distribution systems, $330,000, Water Research Australia, 2010-2012 (CI).

  • Early warning of cyanobacteria blooms in drinking water reservoirs by means of evolutionary algorithms, 258,000, ARC Linkage Projects, 2009-2012 (CI).

  • Development of tools for improved disinfection control, $402,000, CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, 2002-2005 (CI).

  • Decision support system to maintain water quality in water distribution systems, $274,000, CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, 2002-2005 (CI).

  • Desalination options for metropolitan Adelaide's water supply and implications for water resource allocation for regional communities, $175,270, ARC Linkage Projects, 2002-2004 (CI).

  • Control of water treatment processes using artificial neural network modelling, $5,000, CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, 2001 (Lead CI).

  • Optimisation of water distribution systems including the effects of uncertainty, $15,000, United Water, 2001 (Lead CI).

PhD Students:
  • Peng Wang (2021) (Co-Supervisor) "A systematic investigation of multi-objective evolutionary algorithms applied to the water distribution system problem"

  • Michael Di Matteo (2016) (Co-Supervisor) "Multiobjective planning and design of distributed stormwater harvesting and treatment systems through optimization and visual analytics"

  • Weiwei Bi (2015) (Co-Supervisor) "Improved evolutionary algorithm optimisation of water distribution systems using domain knowledge"

  • Chris Stokes (2014) (Co-Supervisor) "A Framework for the minimization of greenhouse gas emissions associated with water distribution systems considering the time-dependency of emissions factors associated with the generation of electricity"

  • Darren Broad (2014) (Co-Supervisor) "Water distribution system optimisation using metamodels"

  • Eva Beh (2014) (Principal Supervisor) "Optimal sequencing of water supply options incorporating sustainability and uncertainty"

  • Fiona Paton (2014) (Principal Supervisor) "Frameworks for assessing and improving urban water supply security planning under climate change"

  • Weyan Wu (2013) (Co-Supervisor) "Multiobjective genetic algorithm optimization of water distribution systems accounting for economic cost, greenhouse gas emissions and reliability"

  • Robert May (2010) (Principal Supervisor) "Developing artificial neural network models for water quality modelling and prediction"

  • Matt Gibbs (2008) (Principal Supervisor) "Real-coded genetic algorithm parameter setting for water distribution system optimisation"
Overview / Opionion Papers
Recent Publications
Other Key Publications

Climate Risk

Selected Projects
  • Putting people at the centre: Towards transforming climate risk assessment for water security and delivery, $1,548,311, One Basin CRC, 2024-2027 (Lead CI).

  • Application of the CRAFT framework to the Barossa prescribed water resources area, $362,686, SA Department for Environment and Water, 2021-2025 (CI).

  • Better data-driven decision-making under future climate uncertainty, $319,235, Water Research Australia, 2016-2018 (CI).

  • Development of an agreed set of climate projections for South Australia, $501,500, Goyder Institute for Water Resources (CI).

Selected Presentations
Selected Professional Activities
Software Tools
Additional Information
Selected PhD Students:
  • Sam Culley (2019) (Co-Supervisor) "Improved implemenation of scenario-neutral climate impact assessments for water resource systems"
  • Danlu Guo (2016) (Co-Supervisor) "Practical implementation of the scenario-neutral approach to climate impact assessments for hydrological systems"
  • Fiona Paton (2014) (Principal Supervisor) "Frameworks for assessing and improving urban water supply security planning under climate change"
Overview / Opionion Papers
Selected Research Publications

 

 

 


Renewable Energy Transition

Selected Projects
Presentations
Decision Support / Software Tools
Selected PhD Students:
  • Jing Tian (2025) (Principal Supervisor) "Quantitative framework to enable the sustainable renewable energy transition"
  • Chris Stokes (2014) (Co-Supervisor) "A framework for the minimization of greenhouse gas emissions associated with water distribution systems considering the time-dependency of emissions factors associated with the generation of electricity"
  • Wenyan Wu (2013) (Co-Supervisor) "Multiobjective genetic algorithm optimization of water distribution systems accounting for economic cost, greenhouse gas emissions and reliability"
Teaching / Training
  • Maier H.R. and Culley S. (2023) Building capacity to achieve sustainable outcomes for wicked problems. In Vaze, J., Chilcott, C., Hutley, L. and Cuddy, S.M. (eds) MODSIM2023, 25th International Congress on Modelling and Simulation. Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand, July 2023, pp. 541-547. ISBN: 978-0-9872143-0-0.
Selected Research Publications

Machine Learning / AI

Selected Projects
  • New Techniques in Optimisation, Modelling and Decision Support, $566,560, eWater CRC, 2006-2010 (CI).

  • New techniques for artifical neural network modelling in hydrology, $132,984, ARC Discovery Projects, 2003-2004 (Lead CI).

  • Control of water treatment processes using artificial neural network modelling, $5,000, CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, 2001 (Lead CI).

Software Tools
Additional Information
Selected PhD Students
  • Xuyuan Li (2014) (Principal Supervisor) "Improving partial mutual information based input variable selection for data driven environmental and water resources models"
  • Robert May (2010) (Principal Supervisor) "Developing artificial neural network models for water quality modelling and prediction"
  • Greer Kingston (Humphrey) (2006) (Prinicipal Supervisor) "Bayesian artificial neural networks in water resources engineering"
  • Gavin Bowden (2002) (Co-Supervisor) "Forecasting water resources variables using artificial neural networks"
Overview / Opionion Papers

 

Recent Publications
Other Key Publications

 

 


Optimisation

 
Selected Projects:
  • Optimal water resources mix for metropolitan Adelaide, 384,000, Goyder Institute for Water Resources, 2012-2013 (CI)

  • Riverine recovery optimisation, $104,928, SA Department for the Environment, Water and Natural Resources, 2012-2013 (Lead CI)Optimum control of chloramine in water distribution systems, $330,000, Water Research Australia, 2010-2012 (CI).

  • Early warning of cyanobacteria blooms in drinking water reservoirs by means of evolutionary algorithms, 258,000, ARC Linkage Projects, 2009-2012 (CI).

  • Innovative approach to the optimal management of water resources and application to the Upper South East Region of South Australia, $600,000, ARC Linkage Projects, 2006-2010 (Lead CI)

  • Development of tools for improved disinfection control, $402,000, CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, 2002-2005 (CI).

  • Decision support system to maintain water quality in water distribution systems, $274,000, CRC for Water Quality and Treatment, 2002-2005 (CI).

  • Desalination options for metropolitan Adelaide's water supply and implications for water resource allocation for regional communities, $175,270, ARC Linkage Projects, 2002-2004 (CI).

  • Optimisation of water distribution systems including the effects of uncertainty, $15,000, United Water, 2001 (Lead CI).

Software Tools
Selected PhD Students:
  • Siwei Zhu (2022) (Principal Supervisor) "Understanding the problem structure of optimisation problems in water resources"

  • Peng Wang (2021) (Co-Supervisor) "A systematic investigation of multi-objective evolutionary algorithms applied to the water distribution system problem"

  • Michael Di Matteo (2016) (Co-Supervisor) "Multiobjective planning and design of distributed stormwater harvesting and treatment systems through optimization and visual analytics"

  • Weiwei Bi (2015) (Co-Supervisor) "Improved evolutionary algorithm optimisation of water distribution systems using domain knowledge"

  • Hiep Nguyen (2015) (Principal Supervisor) "Optimal water allocation and scheduling for irrigation using ant colony algorithms"

  • Chris Stokes (2014) (Co-Supervisor) "A Framework for the minimization of greenhouse gas emissions associated with water distribution systems considering the time-dependency of emissions factors associated with the generation of electricity"

  • Darren Broad (2014) (Co-Supervisor) "Water distribution system optimisation using metamodels"

  • Eva Beh (2014) (Principal Supervisor) "Optimal sequencing of water supply options incorporating sustainability and uncertainty"

  • Fiona Paton (2014) (Principal Supervisor) "Frameworks for assessing and improving urban water supply security planning under climate change"

  • Joanna Szemis (2014) (Co-Supervisor) "An adaptive multi-objective framework for the scheduling of environmental flow management alternatives using ant colony optimization"

  • Weyan Wu (2013) (Co-Supervisor) "Multiobjective genetic algorithm optimization of water distribution systems accounting for economic cost, greenhouse gas emissions and reliability"

  • Matt Gibbs (2008) (Principal Supervisor) "Real-coded genetic algorithm parameter setting for water distribution system optimisation"

  • Wai Kuan Foong (2007) (Principal Supervisor) "Ant colony optimisation for power plant maintenance scheduling"

 
Overview / Opionion Papers
Recent Publications
Other Key Publications

Sustainable Decision Making Under Uncertainty

Selected Projects
  • Development of decision support frameworks for water resource management in the South East, $198,000, Goyder Institute for Water Resources, 2011-2012 (CI).

  • New Techniques in Optimisation, Modelling and Decision Support, $566,560, eWater CRC, 2006-2010 (CI).

  • Innovative approach to the optimal management of water resources and application to the Upper South East Region of South Australia, $500,000, ARC Linkage Projects, 2006-2010 (Lead CI).

  • Sensitivity Analysis of Models used to predict the effects of Policy Decisions on salinity levels in the River Murray, $95,370, Centre for Natural Resources Management, 2006-2007 (Lead CI).

  • New approach to sensitivity assessment of complex simulation models for environmental management, $372,200, ARC Linkage Projects, 2004-2007 (CI).

Selected Presentations
Selected PhD Students:
  • Jiajia Huang (2025) (Co-Supervisor) "Reservoir management under long-term uncertainty"
  • Cameron McPhail (2020) (Principal Supervisor) "Towards a better understanding of scenarios and robustness for the long-term planning of water and environmental systems"
  • Eva Beh (2014) (Principal Supervisor) "Optimal sequencing of water supply options incorporating sustainability and uncertainty"
  • Kylie Hyde (2006) (Principal Supervisor) "Uncertainty analysis methods for multi-criteria decision analysis"
Overview / Opionion Papersns
 
Selected Research Publications

 

 


Environmental Modelling and Management

Selected Projects
  • Improved modelling of the catchments and drainage network in the upper south east for management outcomes, $179,267, Goyder Institute for Water Resources,2012-2014 (CI)

  • Evaluation and application of Source Rivers modelling framework to the South Australian reacheas of the River Murray, $80,350, SA Department for Water, 2011 (Lead CI)

  • New Techniques in Optimisation, Modelling and Decision Support, $566,560, eWater CRC, 2006-2010 (CI).

  • Innovative approach to the optimal management of water resources and application to the Upper South East Region of South Australia, $500,000, ARC Linkage Projects, 2006-2010 (Lead CI).

  • Sensitivity Analysis of Models used to predict the effects of Policy Decisions on salinity levels in the River Murray, $95,370, Centre for Natural Resources Management, 2006-2007 (Lead CI).

  • New approach to sensitivity assessment of complex simulation models for environmental management, $372,200, ARC Linkage Projects, 2004-2007 (CI).

Software Tools
Selected PhD Students:
  • Cameron McPhail (2020) (Principal Supervisor) "Towards a better understanding of scenarios and robustness for the long-term planning of water and environmental systems"
  • Kylie Hyde (2006) (Principal Supervisor) "Uncertainty analysis methods for multi-criteria decision analysis"
  • Greer Kingston (Humphrey) (2006) (Prinicipal Supervisor) "Bayesian artificial neural networks in water resources engineering"
  • Gavin Bowden (2002) (Co-Supervisor) "Forecasting water resources variables using artificial neural networks"

 

Selected Overview Publications
Selected Research Publications
Teaching / Training
   
  • Appointments

    Date Position Institution name
    2021 - 2024 Foundation Director The Systems Cooperative
    2021 - 2029 Honorary Professorial Fellow The University of Melbourne
    2016 - 2019 Adjunct Professor Zhejiang University
    2008 - ongoing Professor (Level E) University of Adelaide
    2007 - 2009 Deputy Head, School of Civil, Environmental and Mining Engineering University of Adelaide
    2005 - 2007 Associate Professor (Level D) University of Adelaide
    2004 - 2006 Associate Dean (Learning and Teaching) University of Adelaide
    2002 - 2004 Senior Lecturer (Level C) University of Adelaide
    1999 - 2001 Lecturer (Level B) University of Adelaide
    1998 - 1999 Postdoctoral Research Fellow University of British Columbia
    1998 - 1998 Casual Lecturer University of Adelaide
    1997 - 1998 Engineering Adviser Western Samoa Water Authority (WSWA)
    1996 - 1997 Senior Civil Engineer / Acting Technical Services Manager Western Samoa Water Authority (WSWA)
    1995 - 1996 Environmental Engineer Cooperative Research Centre for Water Quality and Treatment
    1992 - 1995 Researcher/Casual Tutor University of Adelaide
    1990 - 1992 Design Enigneer Kinhill Engineers
  • Awards and Achievements

    Date Type Title Institution Name Country Amount
    2021 Award Biennial Medal Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand Australia -
    2020 Research Award Commendation, Stormwater South Australia Excellence Awards, Excellence in Research & Innovation Category Stormwater Management Association Australia -
    2019 Award TRILITY Innovation in Large Organisations Award, Smart Water Awards Water Industry Alliance Australia -
    2017 Research Award Outstanding Achievement in Research Award Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC Australia -
    2017 Fellowship Fellow Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand - -
    2014 Award Stormwater Australia National Award for Excellence in Research and Innovation - Australia -
    2013 Award Innovation Champions Award - - -
    2010 Award Best Paper Award - Australia -
    2010 Award Biennial Medalist International Environmental Modelling and Software Society - -
    2010 Award Environmental Modelling and Software Best Paper Award - Australia -
    2010 Award Award for Excellence in Higher Degree by Research Supervision University of Adelaide Australia -
    2009 Award Tertiary Science Educator of the Year, South Australian Science Excellence Awards - - -
    2009 Award ECMS Faculty Award for Excellence for Higher Degree by Research Supervision - - -
    2008 Award Second Best Paper Award American Society of Civil Engineers South Africa -
    2006 Award High Commendation, Best Presentation Award - New Zealand -
    2006 Award Award for Teaching Excellence (Physical Science and Related Categories) - Australia -
    2006 Award Engineering Education Excellence in Engineering Education Award Australasian Association for Engineering Education Australia -
    2006 Award Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning - - -
    2005 Award Commendation, Australasian Association for Engineering Education Excellence in Engineering Education - - -
    2002 Award Elder Prize for Excellence in Teaching The University of Adelaide Australia -
    2002 Award Commonwealth of Learning Excellence in Distance Education Award - - -
    2002 Award Tall Poppy Science Award - - -
    2001 Award Pearson Education UniServe Science Teaching Award - - -
    2001 Award ◾ASCILITE Award for Exemplary Use of Electronic Technologies in Teaching and Learning in Tertiary Education for the "Mekong eSim" - Australia -
    1994 Scholarship Frank Perry Scholarship in Engineering University of Adelaide Australia -
    1992 Award Australian Postgraduate Research Award (Priority Status) University of Adelaide Australia -
    1988 Award James Hardie Award for Civil Engineering University of Adelaide Australia -
    1988 Scholarship Frank Bull Scholarship for Civil Engineering University of Adelaide Australia -
  • Language Competencies

    Language Competency
    English Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review
    German Can read, write, speak and understand spoken
  • Education

    Date Institution name Country Title
    2022 Australian Institute of Company Directors Australia Foundations of Directorship Certificate
    1996 University of Adelaide Australia Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental/Water Resources Engineering
    1990 University of Adelaide Australia Bachelor of Civil Engineering (First Class Honours)
  • Research Interests

Research Funding

Year Amount Source Project
2024-2027 $1,548,311 One Basin CRC Putting People at the Centre: Towards Transforming Climate Risk Assessment for Water Security and Delivery (Lead CI)
2024-2027 $2,109,000 Disaster Ready Fund Smart stormwater infrastructure for natural hazard risk reduction
2023-2025 $200,000 Future Fuels CRC Assessing the barriers to investability for bio-methane grid injection projects (Lead CI)
2023-2025 $299,220 One Basin CRC Opportunities and risks associated with identifying, sourcing and treating brackish groundwater
2023-2024 $255,000 Disaster Risk Reduction Fund Sea Flood Mapping and Impact Assessment for Port Adelaide and Surrounds (University of Adelaide Lead CI)
2022-2024 $230,272 Stormwater Management Authority, City of Mitcham and City of Norwood Payneham and St. Peters Smart detention tank storage - A solution to catchment scale flood risk
2022-2024 $672,250 SmartSat CRC Adaptive Analytical Bushfire Likelihood (AABL) Tool for Better Understanding and Reducing Future Bushfire Risk (Lead CI)
2021-2025 $362,686 SA Department for Environment and Water Application of the CRAFT framework to the Barossa prescribed water resources area
2021-2025 $508,250 Future Fuels CRC Integrated model for bio-methane injection in gas networks (Lead CI)
2020-2022 $210,000 Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC / Victorian Country Fire Authority Assessment of Opportunities and Risks Associated with using Different Approaches to Reducing Future Bushfire Risk via Fuel Management (Lead CI)
2019-2024 $381,000 ARC Discovery Projects Developing robust hydrological predictions for Australia's water challenges
2019-2021 $188,000 Future Fuels CRC Assessment framework for bio-methane injection in gas networks (Lead CI)
2019 $150,000 City of Unley and City of Mitcham Smart storage optimisation to reduce flooding
2019 $156,720 Disaster Risk Reduction Fund An Integrated Decision Support Tool for Understanding and Responding to Current and Future Flood Risk – Gawler River Catchment (University of Adelaide Lead CI)
2017-2020 $540,000 Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC Integrated urban planning for natural hazard mitigation (University of Adelaide Lead CI)
2017-2024 $1,419,409 Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC Improved decision support for natural hazard risk reduction (Lead CI)
2016-2018 $319,235 Water Research Australia Better data-driven decision-making under future climate uncertainty
2014-2017 $1,055,00 Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC Decision support system for assessment of policy & planning investment options for optimal natural hazard mitigation (Lead CI)
2012-2013 $104,928 SA Department for the Environment, Water and Natural Resources Riverine recovery optimisation (Lead CI)
2012-2013 $384,000 Goyder Institute Optimal water resource mix for metropolitan Adelaide
2012-2014 $179,267 Goyder Institute Improved modelling of the catchments and drainage network in the upper south east for management outcomes
2011-2014 $501,500 Goyder Institute Development of an agreed set of climate projections for South Australia
2011-2013 $246,000 Goyder Institute Managed aquifer recharge and urban stormwater use options
2011-2012 $198,000 Goyder Institute Development of decision support frameworks for water resource management in the South East (Lead CI)
2011 $80,350 Department for Water Evaluation and application of Source Rivers modelling framework to the South Australian reacheas of the River Murray (Lead CI)
2010-2012 $330,000 Water Quality Australia Optimum control of chloramine in water distribution systems
2009-2012

$198,000 (ARC)

$60,000 (Industry)

ARC Linkage Projects Early warning of cyanobacteria blooms in drinking water reservoirs by means of evolutionary algorithms
2008-2010 $304,270 eWater CRC New Techniques in Optimisation, Modelling and Decision Support
2006-2010

$430,000 (ARC)

$170,000 (Industry)

ARC Linkage Projects Innovative approach to the optimal management of water resources and application to the Upper South East Region of South Australia (Lead CI)
2006-2009

$238,000 (ARC)

$75,000 (Industry)

ARC Linkage Projects Effects of urbanisation and introduced species on rivers and estuaries: a whole of catchment approach
2006-2007 $95,370 Centre for Natural Resources Management (CNRM) Sensitivity Analysis of Models used to predict the effects of Policy Decisions on salinity levels in the River Murray (Lead CI)
2006-2007 $262,290 eWater CRC New techniques for modelling, optimisation and decision support
2004-2007

$252,200 ARC)

$110,000 (Industry)

ARC Linkage Projects New approach to sensitivity assessment of complex simulation models for environmental management
2003 $10,000 ARC Special Research Initiative Sustainable terrestrial and riverine systems through integrated assessment and modelling (Lead CI)
2003-2004 $132,984 ARC Discovery New techniques for artificial neural network modelling in hydrology (Lead CI)
2003 $5,000 ECMS Faculty Small Research Grants Scheme Improved approach for the optimisation of water distribution networks (Lead CI)
2003-2005 $40,000 Hydro Tasmania Optimal maintenance scheduling for hydro power stations using ant colony optimisation (Lead CI)
2002-2005 $402,000 CRC Water Quality & Treatment Development of tools for improved disinfection control
2002-2005 $274,000 CRC Water Quality & Treatment Decision support system to maintain water quality in water distribution systems
2002 $9,000 University of Adelaide New techniques for artificial neural network modelling in hydrology
2002-2004 $91,000 ARC Discovery Improving flow management for the control of blue-green algal bloms (Lead CI)
2002-2004

$135,270 (ARC)

$40,000 (Industry)

ARC Linkage Projects Desalination options for metropolitan Adelaide's water supply and implications for water resource allocation for regional communities
2001 $5,000 CRC Water Quality & Treatment Control of water treatment processes using artificial neural network modelling (Lead CI)
2001

$12,000


$3,000

University of Adelaide

United Water

Optimisation of water distribution systems including the effects of uncertainty (Lead CI)
2000 $14,000 Australian Research Council Assessment of effectiveness of flow management strategies in reducing the frequency and intensity of cyanobacterial (blue-green algal) blooms (Lead CI)

 

Teaching Grants

Date Project Funding Body Amount
2008 Development of online industry case study learning objects University of Adelaide $8,900
2006 Online situational learning initiative University of Adelaide $100,000
2000 Mekong e-sim: a distributed computer supported role-play/simulation University of Adelaide $10,000

Teaching Activities 

Teaching Awards

  • Member, Adelaide Education Academy
  • South Australian Tertiary Science Educator of the Year
  • Carrick Awards for Australian University Teaching: Award for Teaching Excellence (Physical Science and Related Categories)
  • Australasian Association for Engineering Education Excellence in Engineering Education Award, Excellence in Teaching and Learning in Engineering Education Category
  • Carrick Awards for Australian University Teaching: Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning for "sustained contributions to the development and promotion of online situational learning for the development of graduate attributes"
  • High Commendation, Australasian Association for Engineering Education Excellence in Engineering Education Award, Excellence in a Curriculum Team Project in Engineering Education Category
  • Stephen Cole the Elder Prize for Excellence in Teaching, University of Adelaide
  • Commonwealth of Learning Excellence in Distance Education Award in Materials Development
  • Pearson Education UniServe Science Teaching Award
  • ASCILITE Award for Exemplary Use of Electronic Technologies in Teaching and Learning in Tertiary Education 

Current Teaching

Climate & Environmental Impact Modelling
Course Outline:
Additional Information:
Student Evaluations:

Class average of responses to the question "Holger Maier is an effective university teacher" on a 7-point Likert scale (7 = Strongly Agree).

  • 2022: 6.6/7.0 (UG); N/A (PG)
  • 2023: 6.6/7.0 (UG); 6.8/7.0 (PG)
  • 2024: 6.8/7.0 (UG); 6.7/7.0 (PG)
Integrated Natural Hazard Risk Management
Course Outline:
Additional Information:
  • Maier H.R., Jeanneau A., Radford D.A. and He L. (2023) Integrated natural hazard risk management: A two-week intensive course . In Vaze, J., Chilcott, C., Hutley, L. and Cuddy, S.M. (eds) MODSIM2023, 25th International Congress on Modelling and Simulation. Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand, July 2023, pp. 548-554. ISBN: 978-0-9872143-0-0.
Student Evaluations:

Class average of responses to the question "Holger Maier is an effective university teacher" on a 7-point Likert scale (7 = Strongly Agree).

  • 2022: 6.9/7.0 (UG); 6.9/7.0 (PG)
  • 2023: 7.0/7.0 (UG); N/A (PG)
  • 2024: 6.9/7.0 (UG); N/A (PG)

 

Decision Making for Sustainable Solutions
Course Outline:
Additional Information:
Student Evaluations:

Class average of responses to the question "Holger Maier is an effective university teacher" on a 7-point Likert scale (7 = Strongly Agree).

  • 2022: 6.9/7.0 (UG)
  • 2023: 7.0/7.0 (UG)
  • 2024: N/A (UG)

Teaching Publications

T29. Maier H.R., Jeanneau A., Radford D.A. and He L. (2023) Integrated natural hazard risk management: A two-week intensive course . In Vaze, J., Chilcott, C., Hutley, L. and Cuddy, S.M. (eds) MODSIM2023, 25th International Congress on Modelling and Simulation. Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand, July 2023, pp. 548-554. ISBN: 978-0-9872143-0-0.

T28. Maier H.R. and Culley S. (2023) Building capacity to achieve sustainable outcomes for wicked problems . In Vaze, J., Chilcott, C., Hutley, L. and Cuddy, S.M. (eds) MODSIM2023, 25th International Congress on Modelling and Simulation. Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand, July 2023, pp. 541-547. ISBN: 978-0-9872143-0-0.

T27. Maier H.R. (2023) Developing complex environmental modelling skills through project-centric teaching . In Vaze, J., Chilcott, C., Hutley, L. and Cuddy, S.M. (eds) MODSIM2023, 25th International Congress on Modelling and Simulation. Modelling and Simulation Society of Australia and New Zealand, July 2023, pp. 534-540. ISBN: 978-0-9872143-0-0.

T26. Maier H.R. (2011) Using mobile phones to engage students in engineering lectures. In S. Grainger and C. Kestell (Eds.) Engineering Education: An Australian Perspective, Multi-Science Publishing, Essex, UK, 239-250.

T25.  Chang R.L., Richardson J.C., Banky G.P., Coller B.D., Jaksa M.B., Lindsay E.D. and Maier H.R. (2011) Practicioner reflections on engineering education students' engagement with e-learning Advances in Engineering Education, 2(3), 31p.

T24. Maier H.R. (2009) Bringing industry experience into the "classroom" via multimedia flash presentations, 20th Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education, December 6-9, Adelaide, Australia, 501-506.

T23. Maier H.R. (2009) Student participation in lectures using mobile phones, 20th Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education, December 6-9, Adelaide, Australia, 43-48.

T22. Maier H.R. (2008) Increasing student engagement in online environments using multimedia flash presentations, 19th Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education, December 7-10, Yeppoon, Australia.

T21. Maier H.R. (2008) A hybrid just-in-time / project-based learning approach to engineering education, 19th Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education, December 7-10, Yeppoon, Australia.

T20. Maier H.R. (2008) Revised Civil & Environmental Engineering degree program at the University of Adelaide, 19th Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education, December 7-10, Yeppoon, Australia.

T19. Maier H.R., Baron J. and McLaughlan R.G. (2007) Using online roleplay simulations for teaching sustainability principles to engineering students. International Journal of Engineering Education, 23(6), 1162-1171.

T18. Maier H.R. (2007) Meeting the challenges of engineering education via online roleplay simulations. Australasian Journal of Engineering Education, 13(1), 31-39.

T17. Maier H.R. and Rowan T.S.C. (2007) Increasing student engagement with graduate attributes. Australasian Journal of Engineering Education, 13(1), 21-29.

T16. Maier H.R. (2006) Meeting the challenges of engineering education via online roleplay simulations. Proceedings of the 17th Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education, Auckland, New Zealand, December 10-13.

T15. Maier H.R. and Rowan T.S.C. (2006) Increasing student engagement with graduate attributes. Proceedings of the 17th Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education, Auckland, New Zealand, December 10-13.

T14. Walker D.J., Oehlers D.J. and Maier H.R. (2006) Student attitudes to a novel assessment method in engineering. Proceedings of the 17th Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education, Auckland, New Zealand, December 10-13.

T13. Baron J. and Maier H.R. (2005) The challenge of maintaining the momentum. Conference of the Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (ASCILITE 2005), Brisbane, Australia, December 4-7, pp.57-66.

T12. Maier H.R. (2005) The Mekong e-Sim: an online roleplay simulation for developing engineering graduate attributes. ASEE/AaeE 4th Global Colloquium on Engineering Education Pre-Colloquium Event; 2nd Environmental Engineering Eacademics' Workshop: The Future for Environmental Engineering, Sydney, September 26. (Invited Paper)

T11. Maier H.R. and Baron J. (2005) Developing online roleplay simulations for preparing engineering students for multidisciplinary and international practice. Proceedings of the 2005 ASEE/AaeE 4th Global Colloquium on Engineering Education, Australasian Association for Engineering Education. Sydney, Australia, September 26-30.

T10. Daniell T.M. and Maier H.R. (2005) Embedding sustainability in civil and environmental engineering courses. Proceedings of the 2005 ASEE/AaeE 4th Global Colloquium on Engineering Education, Australasian Association for Engineering Education. Sydney, Australia, September 26-30.
 

T9. Maier H.R., Kavanagh S., Kindley R., Carrington A. and Baron J. (2004) Dynamic role-play online - learning from experience . Crisis Response Journal, 1(1), 56-59.

T8. Carrington A., Kindley R., Baron J., Maier H. and Kavanagh S. (2004) Learn Outside the Box: Reframing the Questions by Combining Scenario-Based Learning with Online Role Play/Simulation. Best Practice in e-Learning, Online Conference, University of Calgary.

T7. Baron J. and Maier H.R. (2004) A community of inquiry evaluation of Mekong e-Sim: An online collaborative simulation. International Conference on Educational Technology (ICET2004), Singapore, September 9-10.

T6. Maier H.R. (2004) Use of examples from nature to make optimal decisions. SASTA Journal, 2004/1, 25-27.

T5. Kirkpatrick D., McLaughlan R.G., Maier H.R., Hirsch P. (2002) Developing scholarship through collaboration in an online roleplay-simulation: Mekong eSim, a case study. Invited Paper, Proceedings of the Scholarly Inquiry in Flexible Science Teaching and Learning Symposium, UniServe Science, The University of Sydney, pp.13-18.

T4. McLaughlan R.G., Kirkpatrick D., Hirsh, P. and Maier H.R. (2001) Using online roleplay/simulations for creating learning experiences. CAL-laborate, 7, October, 23-25.

T3. McLaughlan R.G., Kirkpatrick D., Maier H.R. and Hirsch P. (2001) Academic and institutional issues related to the planning and implementation of a multi-disciplinary roleplay-simulation involving collaboration across institutions. In G.Kennedy, M.Keppell, C. McNaught and T. Petrovic (Eds.), Meeting at the Crossroads. Proceedings of the 18th Annual Conference of the Australian Society for Computers in Learning in Teritiary Education. (pp. 407-415). Melbourne: Biomedical Multimedia Unit, The University of Melbourne.

T2. Maier H.R., McLaughlan R.G., Hirsch P. and Kirkpatrick D. (2001) The Mekong e-Sim: a computer supported multi-disciplinary role-play/simulation. Learn2001 Symposium, University of Adelaide, 5-6 November.

T1. Maier H.R. and McLaughlan R.G. (2001) Use of a roleplay / simulation in environmental engineering education. 12th Annual Conference of the Australasian Association for Engineering Education, Brisbane, Australia, 26-28 September, pp.374-379.

  • Current Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)

    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2023 Principal Supervisor Opportunities and challenges for using brackish groundwater to increase agricultural productivity and resilience in the Murray-Darling Basin Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Caleb James Gray
    2021 Principal Supervisor System Risk Modelling in Critical Water Infrastructure - Decision Support for Assessing and Mitigating Cyber Threats. Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Cael James Angus Keenan
    2021 Principal Supervisor Quantitative Framework to Enable the Sustainable Renewable Energy Transition Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Jing Tian
    2021 Principal Supervisor An integrated modelling approach for the planning of collaborative and adaptive wildfire risk-reduction activities Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Douglas Arthur Gordon Radford
    2021 Co-Supervisor An analytical framework to support the application of higher-value approaches in the circular economy. Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Ms Jodie Kathleen Bricout
  • Past Higher Degree by Research Supervision (University of Adelaide)

    Date Role Research Topic Program Degree Type Student Load Student Name
    2019 - 2023 Principal Supervisor Real-time Control of Stormwater Storages to Improve Performance of Urban Stormwater Systems Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Ruijie Liang
    2018 - 2022 Principal Supervisor A coupled approach to regional flood and land-use modelling to determine the impact of land-use-change and mitigation strategies on flood risk reduction Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Eike Michael Hamers
    2017 - 2022 Principal Supervisor Understanding the Problem Structure of Optimisation Problems in Water Resources Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Siwei Zhu
    2016 - 2020 Principal Supervisor Towards a Better Understanding of Scenarios and Robustness for the Long-Term Planning of Water and Environmental Systems Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Cameron McPhail
    2016 - 2021 Co-Supervisor A Systematic Investigation of Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithms Applied to the Water Distribution System Problem Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Peng Wang
    2015 - 2019 Co-Supervisor Improved Implementation of Scenario-Neutral Climate Impact Assessments for Water Resource Systems Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Sam Anthony Culley
    2014 - 2019 Co-Supervisor Foresight for Risk - Using Scenarios for Strategic Risk Assessment and Management of Emergent Disaster Risk Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Graeme Angus Riddell
    2014 - 2018 Principal Supervisor Developing a (Semi) Automatic Calibration Procedure for Cellular Automata Based Land-use Models Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Charles Peter Newland
    2013 - 2017 Co-Supervisor Practical Implementation of the Scenario-Neutral Approach to Climate Impact Assessments for Hydrological Systems Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Danlu Guo
    2012 - 2016 Principal Supervisor Optimal Water Allocation and Scheduling for Irrigation Using Ant Colony Algorithms Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Duc Cong Hiep Nguyen
    2012 - 2015 Co-Supervisor Improved Evolutionary Algorithm Optimisation of Water Distribution Systems Using Domain Knowledge Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mrs Weiwei Bi
    2012 - 2017 Co-Supervisor Multiobjective Planning and Design of Distributed Stormwater Harvesting and Treatment Systems through Optimization and Visual Analytics Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Michael Di Matteo
    2011 - 2015 Principal Supervisor Improving Partial Mutual Information Based Input Variable Selection for Data Driven Environmental and Water Resources Models Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Xuyuan Yuan Li
    2011 - 2014 Co-Supervisor A Framework for the Minimization of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Associated with Water Distribution Systems Considering the Time-Dependency of Emissions Factors Associated with the Generation of Electricity Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Christopher Sean Stokes
    2010 - 2015 Principal Supervisor Optimal Sequencing of Water Supply Options Incorporating Sustainability and Uncertainty Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Eva Hooi Ying Beh
    2009 - 2014 Co-Supervisor An adaptive multi-objective framework for the scheduling of environmental flow management alternatives using ant colony optimization Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Joanna Margaret Szemis
    2009 - 2014 Principal Supervisor Frameworks for Assessing and Improving Urban Water Supply Security Planning under Climate Change Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Fiona Paton
    2008 - 2013 Principal Supervisor Frameworks for Evaluating and Improving Simplified Hydrologic Models for Baseflow and Rainfall-Runoff Estimation Using Distributed Physical Models Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Li Li
    2007 - 2012 Co-Supervisor Impacts of an Altered Water and Salinity Regime on the Condition of Wetlands in the Upper South East of South Australia Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Miss Abigail Goodman
    2007 - 2013 Principal Supervisor Fully Integrated Modelling of Surface-Subsurface Flow Processes: Quantifying In-Stream and Overland Flow Generation Mechanisms Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Daniel Partington
    2007 - 2012 Co-Supervisor Multiobjective Genetic Algorithm Optimization of Water Distribution Systems Accounting for Economic Cost Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Reliability Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Wenyan Wu
    2004 - 2008 Co-Supervisor A Contribution Towards Real-Time Forecasting of Algal Blooms in Drinking Water Reservoirs by Means of Artificial Neural Networks and Evolutionary Algorithms Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Amber Welk
    2003 - 2014 Co-Supervisor Water Distribution System Optimization Using Metamodels Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Darren Broad
    2003 - 2006 Co-Supervisor Prediction of Special Core Parameters for Australian Hydrocarbon Basins Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Hussam Goda
    2003 - 2006 Principal Supervisor Bayesian Artificial Neural Networks in Water Resources Engineering Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Dr Greer Humphrey
    2003 - 2010 Principal Supervisor Developing Artificial Neural Network Models for Water Quality Modelling and Prediction Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Robert May
    2003 - 2007 Principal Supervisor Ant Colony Optimisation for Power Plant Maintenance Scheduling Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Wai Foong
    2003 - 2008 Principal Supervisor Genetic Algorithm Parameter Setting for Water Distribution System Optimisation Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Part Time Dr Matthew Gibbs
    2002 - 2006 Principal Supervisor Uncertainty Analysis Methods For Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Ms Kylie Hyde
    1999 - 2003 Co-Supervisor USE OF ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS FOR PREDICTING SETTLEMENT OF SHALLOW FOUNDATIONS ON COHESIONLESS SOILS Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Dr Mohamed Shahin
    1998 - 2003 Co-Supervisor Forecasting Water Resources Variables Using Artificial Neural Networks Doctor of Philosophy Doctorate Full Time Mr Gavin Bowden
  • Position: Professor
  • Phone: 83134139
  • Email: holger.maier@adelaide.edu.au
  • Fax: 83134359
  • Campus: North Terrace
  • Building: Engineering North, floor 1
  • Org Unit: Environmental Engineering

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