Previous Top Reports

Student work shared back with EWB Australia is reviewed by our team of industry volunteers, who provide insight and comments based on the program rubric and their own sector experience. The scores from industry reviewers determine teams invited to present their work at the annual EWB Challenge Series Showcase and provide valuable feedback to EWB and our university partners.

Below are examples of reports which received strong positive feedback and demonstrate how different student teams have successfully approached EWB Challenge project briefs in the past.

2023 – 2024 with EWB Australia’s Engineering team in Cambodia

The 2023 – 2024 EWB Challenge is delivered in collaboration with EWB Australia’s Engineering team in Cambodia. It focuses on Pu Ngaol village (pronounced ‘pu now’) in Mondulkiri province. Student design ideas will support EWB’s Engineering team and their work on the ground in Mondulkiri province, which aims to improve the lives of rural Cambodian people.

• Ground water detection system to aid in flood response – detailed explanation of how the design criteria were developed, excellent documentation, explicitly considers the needs and priorities of the community (1a)
• Structures to Enable Safe River Access –  Floating Pontoon – detailed description of the environmental, economic and social contexts, outstanding and relevant connections made to the proposed design (2b,2c ,2d)
• Biological water filtration solution – deep reflection of the importance of community consultation and capacity building through the design process, includes a detailed plan for community engagement (3b)

2022 – 2023 with Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation (Dawul Wuru)

In 2022 – 2023, the EWB Challenge design brief supported the Yirrganydji people in sustaining their well-being, culture, and care for their rainforest and coastal land and sea Country between Cairns and Port Douglas in Far North Queensland through a partnership with Dawul Wuru. 

• Nursery for cultivating bush tucker – detailed comparison of design options using well-defined and logical criteria that take into consideration the appropriateness of the solution for the local context (1b)
• Catching Kunyarra – detailed description of the local materials used; detailed explanation is given as to how materials and resources will be obtained and transported to location in a manner that minimises negative impacts (2e)
• Using Modern Technology to Track Crocodiles – detailed comparison of design options using well-defined and logical criteria that take into consideration the appropriateness of the solution for the local context, good documentation (1b); excellent application of fundamentals in a logical and a highly relevant manner (1c)

2020 – 2021 with Centre for Appropriate Technology in Australia

In 2020 the EWB Challenge design brief considered appropriate technology to support Traditional Owners living and thriving on homelands and outstations, with a focus on CfAT’s work with communities in the Cape York region of Far North Queensland.

Because the context is being revisited in 2021, only example segments of reports are provided here in addition to their summary that address particular aspects of the program rubric strongly.

• Shelter Design to Enable Access to Country – well thought through design criteria and decision making to ensure the design is most appropriate to the context (C1a)
• Mobile Solar Panels – thoughtful discussion on the immediate impacts as well as the long term sustainability (C2)
• Cape Connections – good approach to community engagement throughout the entire project cycle (C3b)
• Landfill What a Waste – good visual communication of the entire design idea to the stakeholder (C3c)
• Welcome to Pama Country – good use of diagrams to explain a final piece of technology (C3c)
• Car-based mesh network attachment – creative and innovative design idea that uses existing technology as a platform in a novel way
• Drones and Dragon Eggs – creative and innovative design idea

2019 with WaterAid in Timor-Leste

In 2019 the EWB Challenge design brief focused on WaterAid Timor-Leste’s work with communities across Suco Holarua, in the Manufahi District of Timor-Leste. Read more about:

• Seeds for the Future – a holistic approach to seed harvesting, storage and management
• Jaz-Mine – hygienic, environmentally friendly menstrual hygiene management practices
• Bamboo Revolver – grey-water treatment system in Timor-Leste

2018 with CRDT in Cambodia

The 2018 EWB Challenge program was delivered in partnership withthe Cambodian Rural Development Team (CRDT), a local NGO focused on community development and natural resource management throughout the northeast of Cambodia. The EWB Challenge design brief focused on CRDT’s work with three adjacent communities along the Mekong River in the Sambo District of Kratie Province. Read more from:

• Pure Vital H20 – water purification using UV light 
• The Meal Garden Project – aquaponics vegetable farming alongside community education 
• Suitable Alternative to Charcoal for Culinary Uses –  bio-briquette press design for organic cooking fuel

2017 with Live and Learn in Vanuatu

In 2017 the EWB Challenge focused on developing engineering and technical solutions to support community development across the east coast of Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu, in partnership with Live and Learn. Community-identified projects were themed into water, sanitation and hygiene, energy, farming and food production, shelter, waste management, ict, transportation, and conservation, with particular consideration given to the potential for income generating activities. Read more from:

• Cosmic Ice – the potential for nightsky radiative refrigeration
• Water supply and quality for East Santo – water purification using sand filtration and distillation
• T.I.C.K. (Total Insect Control Kit) – an appropriate and hygienic toilet that repels insects