The development of policy and management of water resources is highly contested, as illustrated by the continuing conflicts in the Murray-Darling Basin. Science plays an important role in water resources decision-making. In its broadest sense, science can provide ecological, social, economic and cultural knowledge fundamental to water resources policy and management. However, science knowledge (or evidence) is not, and should not be, the only input. Science must compete with the multiple interests in water where the various stakeholders and user groups - irrigators, environmentalists, Traditional Owners, local communities, advocacy groups and politicians - seek to exploit the politics to their advantage.
In this lecture I will cover my pathway from an analytical chemist, to an academic researcher and finally to a contributor of science knowledge to water policy, particularly in Victoria and the Murray-Darling Basin (nine years on the Board of MDBA). From my experience, I will seek to draw out some of the ways a scientist can interact closely with policy makers to 'make a difference', what attributes assist in one being in a position to play this role, and the need to be a science advisor and not an advocate.