Water Europe launches its new Collaboration Matrix

Water Europe is pleased to announce the launch of its new Collaboration Matrix, an innovative framework designed to advance the WE Vision for a Water-Smart Society.

Building on the success of the previous six-year collaboration matrix comprising Working Groups (WGs) and Vision Leadership Teams (VLTs), the new structure introduces 15 exclusive Expert Groups (EGs) and three Communities of Practice (CoPs). This dynamic framework fosters collaboration by integrating technical expertise with broader stakeholder engagement across the water sector.

The leadership teams for the EGs and CoPs have been appointed, featuring a diverse mix of professionals, researchers, and practitioners. The EGs are focused on research, innovation, and addressing scientific challenges, while the CoPs emphasize practical implementation and policy alignment. Together, they create a powerful mechanism to tackle Europe’s most pressing water challenges.

The Expert Groups categories are the following

Water Security

1. Desalination = Leader: Guillermo Zaragoza, CIEMAT. Co-leader: Amelia Morey Strömberg, Vatteninfo. Mentor: Sophie Bertrand, SUEZ.
2. Water Efficiency (Reuse and circularity) = Leader: Rafael Casieles, Bioazul. Co-leaders: Tom Arnot, Bath University and Kristina Wencki. Mentor: Francesco Fatone, UPM.
3. ZeroPollution & Health = Leader: Cristian Carboni, De Nora. Co-leader: Pavel Krzeminski, NIVA. Mentor: Jan Hofman, University of Bath.
4. Groundwater & Healthy Soil = Leader: Laurence Gourcy, BRGM. Co-leader: Marco Petitta, La Sapienza University. Mentor: Anna-Kaisa Ronkanen, Oulu University.
5. Water & Agrifood = Leader: Charlotte Boeckaert, VITO. Co-leader: Antonia Lorenzo, Bioazul. Mentor: Jochen Froebrich, WUR.

Water Sustainability

1. Digital Water Systems Management = Leader: Eloisa Vargiu, CETAQUA. Co-leaders: Demetrios Eliades, KIOS, and Roberto Di Bernardo, Engineering. Mentor: Bert De Winter, De Water Groep.
2. Resource Recovery = Leader: Felix Meyer-Horn, Aerzener. Co-leaders: Malgorzata Szlachta, Geological Survey of Finland and Mona Arnold, VTT. Mentor: Pär Larshans, Ragn-Sells.
3. Finance4Water: Leader: Magdalena Rzeczkowska, CALPE. Mentor: Gonzalo Delacámara, IMDEA.
4. International Cooperation = Leader: David Smith W&B. Co-leader: Gaetano Casale. IHE Delft. Mentor: Richard Elelman, Eurecat.
5. Skills & Human Resources = Leader: Naomi Timmer H2OPeople. Co-leaders: Elisa Michelini, UNIBO and Ela Daci, IHE. Mentor: Gabrielle Knufman, Water Opleidingen.

Water Resilience

1. Water Distribution Networks = Leader: Jaime Flores Cabeza, CYII. Mentor: Maria Helena Alegre, LNEC.
2. Green-Grey Infrastructure & Nature-Based Solutions = Leader: Laura Wendling, SINTEF. Co-leader: Fabrizio Lagasco, RINA. Mentor: Frans van de Ven, Deltares.
3. Water & Biodiversity = Leader: Sara Eeman, Aveco de Bond. Co-leader: Pija Leskinen, Turku University.
4. Water & Climate = Leader: Vanessa Martins Ramons, Aguas du Porto. Co-leader: Tone Muthanna, NTUN.
5. Digital Water Technologies =  Leader: Janelcy Alfieres, VITO. Co-leaders: Juan Luis Sobreira Seoane, ITG and Jordi Cross Herrero, ADASA. Mentor: Lydia Vamvakeridou-Lyroudia, KWR.

To initiate their activities, the EGs will hold their first meetings on December 10, 2024, alongside the Water Knowledge Europe 2024 event in Brussels. These meetings will provide an opportunity for EG leaders to present draft action plans and engage with prospective Water Europe members interested in contributing to their work. Following this, on December 11, 2024, the CoPs will convene for their inaugural plenary meeting, where they will outline their ambitions, strategies, and projected actions.