Event: Cranfield Wastewater Conference 2024 – IWA Young Water Professionals Pitch Session

Date: November 2024

Location: Cranfield University, UK

Role: Host and Facilitator – IWA YWP Pitch Session

Type of CPD: Mentoring / innovation leadership / academic–industry engagement

Duration: Half‑day (pitch session + conference participation + networking)

Summary of the Event

I attended and hosted the IWA Young Water Professionals (YWP) Pitch Session at the Cranfield Wastewater Conference 2024, an annual technical gathering bringing together researchers, utilities, technology innovators and environmental specialists.

The conference showcased cutting‑edge research in wastewater treatment, digital optimisation, environmental monitoring, emerging contaminants and nature‑based solutions. The YWP pitch session provided a platform for early‑career researchers to present high‑impact ideas, novel technologies and applied research relevant to the future of wastewater management.

As host, I facilitated the session, introduced speakers, guided discussions and supported the judging process, helping to create an encouraging and professional environment for emerging talent.

My Contribution: Host of the IWA YWP Pitch Session

• Opened and chaired the pitch session, setting expectations and framing the importance of innovation, communication and cross‑sector collaboration.
• Introduced each presenter, ensuring smooth transitions and maintaining energy and engagement throughout the session.
• Provided constructive feedback to participants, focusing on clarity of impact, scalability, innovation pathways and real‑world application.
• Encouraged presenters to articulate the practical relevance of their research to utilities, regulators and the wider water sector.
• Supported the judging panel, contributing insights on innovation adoption, digital transformation and environmental performance.
• Promoted a positive, inclusive environment that empowered early‑career professionals to share their ideas confidently.
• Strengthened links between Cranfield University, IWA YWP networks and industry partners.

Key Themes Covered

Skills and capability development Communication, innovation readiness and early‑career leadership.

Wastewater treatment optimisation Biological process stability, nutrient removal, energy efficiency and resilience.

Digital transformation and real‑time monitoring Data integration, automation, digital twins and predictive analytics.

Emerging contaminants and regulatory change PFAS, microplastics, pharmaceuticals and evolving compliance frameworks.

Innovation and research translation Pathways from academic research to industry adoption.

Environmental performance and river health Monitoring transparency, pollution reduction and ecological outcomes.