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wetsus
members only congress

Thursday, 21st November 2024, Wetsus, Leeuwarden.

We are excited to invite you to our annual event for our valued members, taking place on Thursday, 21st November 2024. Join us in the Wetsus building in Leeuwarden for an afternoon of scientific discussion and meaningful connections, and networking over drinks and dinner. In this congress, Paul O’Callaghan will expand on his brief presentation at EWTW 2024 on an in-depth exploration of the dynamics of water innovation, addressing the historical and discouraging perception that the sector is slow to adopt new technologies. He will discuss practical methods to influence the perceptions of the pace of change, market confidence and future outcomes.

Copies of the book based on Paul’s talk will be handed out to the participants of the congress.

After an inspiring keynote, you will get to hear the presentations from our PhD researchers and company members from different research themes, showcasing the impact of their collaborations on the water technology innovations.

Colleagues within your institution are welcome to join. You can participate in the entire program or select specific parts. Please register before November 14 for participation.  

Program:

11:00 – 12:00     Laboratory tour for participants
We will showcase our facility and research of desulfurization technology, biofilm prevention in drinking water pipelines, and innovative desalination using the electrodialysis metathesis concept.

12:00 – 13:00     Lunch for representatives of Wetsus participant companies

13:00 – 14:10     Plenary session
Welcome and Wetsus update by Jan Post, Wetsus Program Director
Keynote “The Dynamics of Water Innovation – A Guide to Water Technology Commercialization, Paul O’Callaghan, CEO and Founder of BlueTech Research

Paul is the CEO and Founder of BlueTech Research, which focuses on advancing water management technologies. A water scientist, sustainability thought leader, and documentary producer, Paul will expand on his brief presentation at EWTW 2024, addressing the perception that the water sector is slow to innovate. He will present the Water Technology Adoption (WaTA) model, designed to improve planning and decision-making for water innovators and investors, drawing on cross-sector models. In 2020, Paul served as Executive Producer of the critically acclaimed documentary Brave Blue World and recently co-produced Our Blue World, which was screened at EWTW 2024. He holds a PhD in Water Innovation from Wageningen University and has recently published a book, which is also the focus of his talk.

Music performance by Shuoguang Yang and Yizhou Xing (Wetsus)

14:10 – 14:30     Break

14:30 – 15:30     Fireside discussions – parallel sessions round 1
1.1 The power of chemistry for reclaiming resources, introduction by Philipp Kuntke, Scientific Project Manager
Wokke Wijdeveld, Unlocking vivianite-group minerals’ potential for pollutant removal and resource recovery
Liang-Shin Wang, Solution processing integration to PHA recovery
Mu Lin, Low energy consumption electrochemical carbon capture process design
Alisson Marques, Flygaft – members of the ConsenCUS EU project

1.2 Navigating the invisible for smarter water systems, introduction by Doekle Yntema, Smart Water Grids Theme Coordinator
Mirvahid Mohammadpour Chehrghani, Shark skin inspired riblet structures for drag reduction in drinking water pipelines
Dhyana Challeparambil Bharath, Optical fiber-based sensors for salt detection and monitoring in groundwater aquifers
Lester Wu, In-situ detection of hydrocarbon contamination in groundwater: Reactive transport modelling and machine learning
Mateo Mayer, Aqa.Earth – member of the Sensoring theme

15:30 – 16:00     Break

16:00 – 17:00     Fireside discussions – parallel session round 2
2.1 Nature’s toolbox of biotech solutions for resource recovery, introduction by Cristina Gagliano, Biofilms Theme Coordinator
Shih-Hsuan Lin, Anaerobic membrane-biofilm reactor (MBfR) for biomethane production from CO2 and H2
Berke Kisaoglan, EPS-derived bioflocculant production from wastewater
Yizhou Xing, Enhanced PHA production from municipal waste activated sludge
João Sousa, Paques Biomaterials – member of the Biopolymers from Water theme

2.2 Mastering novel entities and emerging contaminants in water, introduction by Sam Rutten, Advanced Coagulation for Nano Particles Theme Coordinator
Elfy Ly, Effectiveness of advanced treatment to remove antibiotic resistant bacteria
Yicheng Wang, Breakdown PFAS in VUV processes: the dual role of Cl-
Mieke Kersaan-Haan, The possibilities of LC-MS: from known to unknown
Maurice Tax, Bright Spark – member of the Applied Water Physics theme

17:00 – 17:30     Happy hour networking drinks

17:30 – 19:00     Fall Flavors: Members’ November Buffet

Towards an economy of value preservation | By Niels Faber

Abstract

The realisation of a circular economy has thus far unfolded under the assumption that it would fit within existing economic arrangements. In practice, we witness many circular initiatives struggling to give shape to their ambitions, let alone develop to maturity. These past months, various material recycling organisations terminated their activities, seeing virgin alternatives from other parts of the world flooding the market at prices against they cannot compete. If the transition towards a circular economy (i.e. an economy of value preservation) is to be taken seriously, a new perspective on value in our economic system seems unavoidable, as the rewriting of the rules of the economic game. At this moment, current perceptions of value stand in the way of this transition both at micro as well as macro levels. Several contours for a collective exploration of new directions of value and economic configuration that foster circular transition will be addressed.

Searching Innovation for the Common Good | By Cees Buisman

Abstract

In his key note he will conclude after a life of innovations that it is impossible that humanity will stay within the save planetary boundaries with innovation only. We should be more critical about the behaviour of the rich population in the world and more critical about new innovations that prove to be dangerous, like the PFAS crisis shows at this moment. In his keynote he will investigate how to look at the world that can stay within the save planetary boundaries, how should we change ourselves? It is clear if we only talk about the words of science and systems we miss the essential words of how we should cooperate and change ourselves. And his search for coherent save innovations. Which innovations will be save and will lead to a fair and sustainable world? And will lead to a world we want to live in.

Future-fit economic models: What do they have in common – how can they join forces? | By Christian Felber

Abstract

There is a growing number of new sustainable, inclusive, cohesive, participatory, just and humane economic models. A possible next step in the discourse about them is the comparative analysis in order to find out key commonalities, potential synergies, and “requirements” for a future-fit economic model. The author and initiator of the Economy for the Common Good provides an overview of these „new sustainable economic models“ and compares them according to underlying values, principles, and practical ways of implementation. The keynote addresses the cooperative spirit of the conference and prepares the ground for its public highlight on the eve of June 3rd, the round table with representatives of diverse future-fit economic models.

The era of postgrowth economics | By Matthias Olthaar

Abstract

The scientific debate on whether economies should always continue to grow increasingly becomes a political and societal debate. On the one hand further growth for the most affluent countries seems neither possible nor valuable, but on the other hand there is still lack of understanding and knowledge what a non-growing economy should look like and could best be governed. In this lecture we discuss various policy measures that can be realistically implemented, take into account government finances and aim at a higher quality of life despite a non-growing economy.

Democratic principles for a sustainable economy | By Lisa Herzog

Abstract

Democracy is under pressure, and less and less able to stir the economy into a sustainable direction. Therefore, to stabilize democracy and to make possible the socio-ecological transformation of the economy, democratic principles need to be implemented directly in the economy. This is not only a matter of morality, but also has practical advantages. Democratizing the economy can increase legitimacy and take advantage of the “knowledge of the many” to accelerate the transformation. Democratic practices, especially deliberation, allow bringing together different forms of knowledge, which is crucial for the local implementation of principles of social and ecological sustainability. This talk explores what this idea means in more concrete terms, from democratic participation in the workplace to the democratization of time.

Market, state, association, and well-being. An historical approach | By Bas van Bavel

Abstract

Over the past decades, markets have conventionally been seen as the best instrument to stimulate economic growth and enhance prosperity and well-being. The automatic link between markets and economic growth is increasingly questioned, however, as well as the automatic link between economic growth and enhancement of well-being. This has led to attempts to capture well-being development more directly than through GDP per capita figures and has produced a more variegated picture of well-being growth. Also, this has led to a shift of focus to other coordination systems than the market, as primarily the state but increasingly also the association. Analyses of the historical record suggest that especially the latter could be a vital component in future well-being.