National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training
NCGRT is an Adelaide-based groundwater research consortium, hosted by Flinders University, that unites scientists from 13 Australian universities and 19 government and industry organisations to deliver groundwater research, professional short-course training, and accredited university programs for federal and state agencies, mining operators, engineering consultancies, and students.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersAdelaide, Australia
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training does
The National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training (NCGRT) is an Adelaide-headquartered research consortium administered by Flinders University that aggregates groundwater scientists from 13 Australian universities and 19 government and industry organisations to advance scientific understanding of Australia's groundwater resources and to train the next generation of groundwater professionals. NCGRT delivers interdisciplinary research across groundwater characterisation, numerical and analytical modelling, geochemistry, reactive transport modelling, environmental and artificial tracers, and surface/downhole geophysics, with particular depth in mining hydrogeology, coastal hydrogeology, and managed aquifer recharge.
Its core technical assets are the LEACHM/LEACHE unsaturated-zone numerical model simulator (a public-domain finite-difference solver of Richards' equation and the convection-dispersion equation, with LEACHE adding air-water interfacial sorption processes) and reference outputs such as the Australian Groundwater Modelling Guidelines (led by NCGRT researchers), the Groundwater in Australia report, and a Deloitte Access Economics report on the Economic Value of Groundwater in Australia. NCGRT also publishes National Groundwater Research Priorities (June 2024).
NCGRT's revenue model combines fee-paying professional development short courses (Australian Groundwater School in Adelaide and online, plus specialised courses in contaminant hydrogeology, FEFLOW-based modelling, mining hydrogeology, managed aquifer recharge, NMR, and field methods, available as in-house customised training), university-accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programs delivered through the 13-university partner network with PhD and master's supervision, and publications. Customers and partners span federal and state agencies (Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water; Murray-Darling Basin Authority; CSIRO; Geoscience Australia; ANSTO; Bureau of Meteorology), mining operators (Rio Tinto), engineering consultancies (CDM Smith, Jacobs, WSP, EMM Consulting), and technology providers (Aquanty, DHI).
National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training
- Legal name
- National Centre for Ground Water Research & Training
- Website
- https://groundwater.com.au
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- NCGRT is an Adelaide-based groundwater research consortium, hosted by Flinders University, that unites scientists from 13 Australian universities and 19 government and industry organisations to deliver groundwater research, professional short-course training, and accredited university programs for federal and state agencies, mining operators, engineering consultancies, and students.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Hydrogeology Research & Training Services
- NAICS
- Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Environmental Consulting Services (54162), Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Testing Laboratories and Services (54138), Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (54169)
- SIC
- Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Testing Laboratories (8734), Oil & Gas Field Services, Nec (1389)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Water, Wastewater & Hydraulics Engineering Consulting (BPAHAIAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Quality Assurance/Quality Control & Accreditation (QA plans, proficiency testing, ISO/IEC 17025) (EUANAJAK), Scientific & Laboratory Reference (Chemistry, Biology, Physics; Methods & Protocols) (EDAGAGAG), Geotechnical Investigation & Site Characterization (Boreholes, In-situ Testing, Lab Testing) (IMAFAOAG)
Keywords
Where National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Adelaide
- HQ country
- Australia
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices1 record
Markets served
National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Professional Development Short Courses: NCGRT offers a suite of short courses designed to enhance expertise in groundwater science and management. Programs are delivered by leading experts from academia, government, and industry, ensuring participants receive current and relevant knowledge. Training courses can be customised and delivered in-house, providing a cost-effective and high-impact approach to organisation's training needs.
- University Accredited Courses: Partnership with universities offering accredited undergraduate and postgraduate degrees covering aspects of groundwater. World-class academics supervise PhD and master's students whose projects are focused on groundwater. 13 university partners covering most State and Territory capital cities.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels5 records
National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training product offering
Product offeringCore offering
NCGRT delivers scientific research and professional training programs for the groundwater sector, bringing together leading researchers from 13 Australian universities and 19 government and industry partners. Its core offerings include professional development short courses (Australian Groundwater School, Contaminant Hydrogeology, Mining Hydrogeology, Managed Aquifer Recharge, Groundwater Modelling, NMR, and Field Methods in Hydrology), accredited university courses through partner institutions, and applied groundwater research projects for government and industry. It also publishes authoritative reference materials such as the Australian Groundwater Modelling Guidelines and develops specialised modelling tools such as the LEACHE unsaturated zone numerical simulator.
Product overview
NCGRT offers groundwater research software tools, publications, and professional education programs. The core product is LEACHM/LEACHE, a public-domain unsaturated zone numerical model for simulating water flow and solute transport. Additional offerings include authoritative publications such as the Groundwater in Australia report, Deloitte economic value analysis, Australian Groundwater Modelling Guidelines, and teaching resources. Professional development consists of short courses including Australian Groundwater School, Introduction to Contaminant Hydrogeology, Introduction to Groundwater Modelling Using FEFLOW, Mining Hydrogeology, Managed Aquifer Recharge, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, and Field Methods in Hydrology. University education encompasses accredited undergraduate and postgraduate groundwater hydrology courses through partner institutions, plus PhD and master's research supervision across 13 university partners.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- LEACHM/LEACHE (Leaching Estimation and Chemistry Model) A public-domain unsaturated zone numerical model simulator that uses finite difference approximation of Richards' equation to solve for water flow and the convection-dispersion equation to simulate solute transport in variably water-saturated soils. Available as a free download for hydrogeology researchers and practitioners.
- Australian Groundwater School (Adelaide) An in-person professional development course delivered in Adelaide covering the fundamentals of groundwater science for practitioners, government staff, consultants and researchers.
- Australian Groundwater School – Online Online version of the Australian Groundwater School providing foundational groundwater science training to participants globally in a virtual format.
- Introduction to Contaminant Hydrogeology Short course on contaminant hydrogeology fundamentals, presented in collaboration with ALGA for environmental and water professionals.
- Introduction to Groundwater Modelling Using FEFLOW Short course introducing groundwater modelling using FEFLOW software, targeted at professionals seeking practical modelling skills.
- Groundwater Modelling at Mine Sites Using FEFLOW Specialised short course on groundwater modelling for mining applications using FEFLOW, aimed at mining hydrogeologists and environmental consultants.
- Mining Hydrogeology Short course on mining hydrogeology covering dewatering, pit lake development and groundwater management for mining operations.
- Managed Aquifer Recharge Short course covering managed aquifer recharge principles and applications for water resource managers, consultants and researchers.
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Short course on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) as a geophysical method for directly measuring water in the subsurface, aimed at researchers and practitioners.
- Field Methods in Hydrology Field-based short course on hydrological measurement methods, providing hands-on training for groundwater and surface water practitioners.
- Accredited University Groundwater Courses Undergraduate and postgraduate accredited degree programs covering groundwater topics, delivered through 13 partner universities across Australia with world-class academic supervision of PhD and master's students.
- Customised In-House Training Customised groundwater training programs delivered in-house at client organisations, tailored to specific workforce development needs across government, industry and consulting sectors.
Companies that use National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
23 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Flinders UniversitycoreAdministering university and headquarters location of NCGRT. Located in Adelaide, SA. Provides institutional support, facilities, and administrative infrastructure for the centre.
- Griffith UniversitycoreUniversity partner contributing researchers to NCGRT. School of Engineering and Built Environment - Civil and Environmental Engineering.
- James Cook UniversitycoreUniversity partner contributing researchers to NCGRT research network.
- Monash UniversitycoreUniversity partner with researchers in School of Earth Atmosphere and Environment contributing to NCGRT research.
- Australian National University (ANU)coreUniversity partner with Institute for Water Futures and Integrated Catchment Assessment and Management Centre contributing researchers.
- University of New South Wales (UNSW)coreUniversity partner with Water Research Laboratory and School of Civil and Environmental Engineering contributing expertise.
- University of MelbournecoreUniversity partner with Centre for Resources, Energy and Environmental Law contributing legal and policy expertise.
- University of NewcastlecoreUniversity partner with School of Environment and Life Science contributing researchers.
- University of QueenslandcoreUniversity partner with Centre for Water in the Minerals Industry Sustainable Minerals Institute contributing expertise.
- University of Western AustraliacoreUniversity partner offering Master of Hydrogeology program and contributing researchers.
- University of South AustraliacoreUniversity partner contributing researchers to NCGRT network.
- Charles Darwin UniversitycoreUniversity partner contributing researchers including those in North Water Futures.
- Queensland University of TechnologycoreUniversity partner with School of Biology & Environmental Science contributing researchers.
- CSIROmajorGovernment research organisation and partner providing scientific research capabilities.
- Geoscience AustraliamajorFederal government agency partner providing geological and geospatial expertise.
- ANSTO (Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation)majorGovernment organisation partner providing nuclear science and technology capabilities for groundwater research including isotopic analysis.
- Bureau of MeteorologymajorFederal government agency partner providing weather and water data and expertise.
- Murray-Darling Basin AuthoritymajorFederal agency responsible for managing the Murray-Darling Basin's water resources.
- Rio TintomajorMining corporation partner for groundwater research in mining contexts, particularly in Pilbara region.
- CDM SmithmajorEngineering and consulting firm partner providing hydrogeological consulting expertise.
- JacobsmajorEngineering and technical services firm partner providing consulting capabilities.
- WSPmajorEngineering services firm partner contributing to groundwater consulting projects.
- EMM ConsultingminorEnvironmental consulting firm partner.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- WSP: WSP is a Major NCGRT implementation/consulting partner and a global engineering consultancy (now incorporating Golder Associates) with a substantial Australian hydrogeology and mine-water practice serving overlapping clients.
- EMM Consulting: EMM Consulting is a Minor NCGRT implementation/consulting partner and an Australian environmental consultancy delivering groundwater, mining, and water-resource services to overlapping government and industry clients in the same geographies.
- DHI Group: DHI develops FEFLOW, the groundwater modelling software that NCGRT itself teaches (e.g., 'Introduction to Groundwater Modelling Using FEFLOW'). DHI is a direct peer/competitor in groundwater modelling software and a listed NCGRT technology partner, making it highly comparable.
- CDM Smith: CDM Smith is a Major NCGRT implementation/consulting partner led by NCGRT Advisory Board chair Stuart Richardson and a global engineering consultancy delivering hydrogeology, mining water, and environmental services to overlapping government and mining clients.
- Jacobs: Jacobs is a Major NCGRT implementation/consulting partner with a Principal Hydrogeologist (Richard Evans) on NCGRT's Technical Advisory Board and a global engineering firm delivering comparable groundwater, mining water, and environmental consulting services.
- GHD: GHD is a major Australian-headquartered engineering consultancy with a substantial water, groundwater, and mining-hydrogeology practice, competing directly with NCGRT's consulting partners and serving the same Australian federal/state and mining clients.
Others
- Geoscience Australia: Geoscience Australia is a Major NCGRT partner and the federal geoscience agency producing national hydrogeological data and maps; it is more of an ecosystem participant and data provider than a direct competitor, but its mandate and outputs overlap with NCGRT's research scope.
Emerging players
- Aquanty: Aquanty provides groundwater modelling solutions (notably HydroGeoSphere) and is a listed NCGRT technology partner. It is an emerging competitor in the same hydrogeological simulation space where NCGRT conducts research and training.
Broad incumbents
- Tetra Tech: Tetra Tech is a global environmental and water-resources engineering consultancy that delivers hydrogeology, groundwater modelling, and mining water services internationally — a broader incumbent competing for the same government, mining, and agricultural engagements as NCGRT.
- CSIRO: CSIRO is Australia's national science agency, a Major NCGRT partner, and concurrently the country's largest publicly funded water and groundwater research body — a broad incumbent whose portfolio overlaps directly with NCGRT's mandate.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training social profiles
Digital presenceNational Centre for Groundwater Research & Training financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
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National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training
What does National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training do?
NCGRT delivers scientific research and professional training programs for the groundwater sector, bringing together leading researchers from 13 Australian universities and 19 government and industry partners. Its core offerings include professional development short courses (Australian Groundwater School, Contaminant Hydrogeology, Mining Hydrogeology, Managed Aquifer Recharge, Groundwater Modelling, NMR, and Field Methods in Hydrology), accredited university courses through partner institutions, and applied groundwater research projects for government and industry. It also publishes authoritative reference materials such as the Australian Groundwater Modelling Guidelines and develops specialised modelling tools such as the LEACHE unsaturated zone numerical simulator.
Is National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training a public or private company?
National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training founded?
National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training was founded in 2009. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training based?
National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training is headquartered in Adelaide, Australia, in the Oceania region.
How does National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Professional Development Short Courses are the primary driver. The others are university Accredited Courses.
Who are National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are WSP, EMM Consulting, DHI Group, CDM Smith, Jacobs and GHD. Geoscience Australia is listed as an others. Aquanty is listed as an emerging player. Broad incumbents are Tetra Tech and CSIRO.
Does National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training have an API?
Yes. LEACHE (an enhanced version of LEACHM - Leaching Estimation and Chemistry Model) is available as a public-domain download. LEACHE includes air water interfacial sorption processes. The source code is available from John Hutson at Flinders University to anyone who wishes to check details of model procedures. Downloads include LEACHE.zip and LEACHE_input_data.pdf. Developer documentation is at groundwater.com.au/leachm.
What industry is National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training in?
National Centre for Groundwater Research & Training's product category is Hydrogeology Research & Training Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAHAIAD, Water, Wastewater & Hydraulics Engineering Consulting, with a secondary code of EUANAJAK, Quality Assurance/Quality Control & Accreditation (QA plans, proficiency testing, ISO/IEC 17025). Its NAICS code is 5417 and its SIC code is 8731.