Born and raised in Tehran, Iran, Dr Siavash (Sia) Ghelichkhan began his academic career in theoretical and mathematical physics at the University of Tehran, before transitioning to earth sciences. Sia completed his PhD and post-doctorial appointments at the Ludwig-Maximilian-University in Munich, focusing on data assimilation methods for studying the Earth's mantle. 

Now a research fellow at the Institute for Water Futures and the ANU Research School of Earth Sciences (RSES), Sia works on developing a new groundwater modelling platform. This work involves integrating innovative modelling capabilities with existing data to improve the accuracy and reliability of models, ensuring they are grounded in both physical processes and observational data. These models aim to support future forecasting and inform policy-making. Collaborating closely with experts at IWF and the Bureau of Meteorology, Sia's work contributes to better understanding and management of groundwater resources.