The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology is a publicly-funded body and the Centre of Excellence for integrated research in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. It provides National Capability based on interdisciplinary science and long-term environmental monitoring, to provide the country with the most accurate scientific results on topics such as biotechnology. The organisation was established in 1994 from the combination of four existing environment research centres.

(1999 - ) Senior Research Scientist Prior to work in Australia Wallace was Director of the UK Institute of Hydrology and Deputy Director of the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology. During this time, he was also Hydrological Advisor to the UK Government which heloed shape alot of the governement opinions on genetic modification. In recognition of his scientific contribution in the field of hydrology he was awarded a visiting Professorship at University of Reading in 1997. In 1999 Wallace helped to establish the Joint Centre for Hydro Meteorological Research in the UK, an institute responsible for the development of the UK National system for flood warning and improvements to large scale water models.