Dr Sandra Hall, from UQ's Advanced Water Management Centre (AWMC), has been named the Queensland Young Water Professional of the Year.

The inaugural award, presented by the Australian Water Association, was announced over the weekend at the Queensland regional conference, themed "The Challenge of Change".

"As water professionals we have faced many changes in South East Queensland," Dr Hall said.

"Through an integrated water management plan we are ensuring a secure future for Queenslanders.

"This award is a great honour and I hope to inspire all young water professionals in Australia to take on the challenges of the future."

An expert on the microbiology of wastewater treatment, Dr Hall completed her PhD at UQ in 2003.

In just five years in the industry she has enjoyed a number of research successes and has now taken on the exciting role of communications and training manager at the AWMC.

"The role of the modern water professional has changed and we are now a resource for knowledge," she said.

"It is for these reasons and the increasing public awareness that the communication skills of our profession have become a priority.

"I started my career at the forefront of Water Microbiology research in Australia and recognised the need for skilled professionals in communications and training working side-by-side with those who discover, invent and design."

Dr Hall will compete for the National Young Water Professional Award, to be announced next March.