Queensland University of Technology
Nicholas Ashbolt
Professor Nicholas Ashbolt is an internationally recognised environmental microbiologist and water researcher at QUT, specialising in integrated risk assessment and adaptive water governance. His work combines quantitative microbial risk assessment, Bayesian and multi-criteria decision frameworks, environmental microbiology and systems modelling to support more resilient water management.
Through his Cognitive Water Governance research, he is developing agentic AI systems that integrate evidence, models, institutional knowledge and stakeholder judgement to interpret changing conditions, assess risks and uncertainties, and adapt recommended actions. These systems aim to make trade-offs, equity considerations and the basis for decisions more transparent. His research spans drinking water, water reuse, antimicrobial resistance, biofilms and climate resilience, with a strong focus on translating complex risk information into practical governance, operational and infrastructure decisions.
Involved in:
-
State of AI for Water:
Where Are We Now? (October 2026)