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One of the missions of the Washington Water Research Center is to promote and conduct water-related research. Significant expertise on water issues is available collectively at the research universities in the state. This encompasses expertise in science and engineering fields, socio-economics and other disciplines and represents an impressive amount of talent. However, there is a need for stronger links between research needs, as they are perceived by governmental and non-governmental organizations as well as individuals dealing with the practical aspects of water quantity and quality management and decision-making, and the research agenda of academia.

Finding avenues to close gaps and to improve communication between academia, scientists in federal and state agencies, and the organizations and individuals in the state managing water resources is highly desirable. I am open to suggestions that would allow us to make progress in that direction.