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The planning, designing, management, and operation of water systems has been one of the most important activities throughout the history of humankind. However, as a scientific and applied discipline, it evolved about 70 years ago. The International Commission on Water Resources Systems (ICWRS) has primarily focused on developing and implementing improved methods for water resources management for the benefit of society since the 1970s. This paper reviews the history of the water resources systems (WRS) discipline over these six decades after the 100th anniversary of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS) and aims to make a synthesis of the history of ICWRS. In the concluding section, an outlook for researchers and decision makers on the future development of WRS research is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We thank the commentators for discussing their viewpoints on the subject; the majority converge with our ideas, while a few others need clarity and which we have responded to. We also applaud the works of the commentators in Oceania Region (OR), especially the decades of work by Professors Terry and Weber, which surely has improved scientific and societal research education in the OR. Here we respond to the commentary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We thank the commentators for discussing their viewpoints on the subject; the majority converge with our ideas, while a few others need clarity and which we have responded to. We also applaud the works of the commentators in Oceania Region (OR), especially the decades of work by Professors Terry and Weber, which surely has improved scientific and societal research education in the OR. Here we respond to the commentary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an assessment of hydrological research activity conducted in the Oceania Region. Literature from three databases (Web of Science (WOS), Scopus, and Google Scholar) was collected and analysed. Results show large gaps in the variety of themes and poor collaborative efforts between regional water specialists. Results also suggest that local specialists potentially lack the ability to conduct quality hydrological research or that, due to the region's developing status, more focus has been placed on project-based objectives rather than building a body of research. A solution could be the development of a self-reliant base for conducting hydrological research by empowering and improving capabilities of local citizens. Firstly, an overhaul of organization policies regarding the introduction of research and performance monitoring is needed. Secondly, education in hydrology must be improved to suit local capabilities while addressing the complex socio-cultural environment with transdisciplinary measures. This assessment could benefit the future management of hydrological services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]