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Aquatech and the International Water Association (IWA) are joining forces to launch a new forum that brings scientific knowledge, research, and innovation in the field of water closer to real-world applications.
At a time when governments, water utilities, and industries around the world are investing heavily in water resilience, climate adaptation, PFAS management, circular water systems, and digital water technologies, the gap between research, innovation, and actual implementation remains a major challenge. This initiative aims to help bridge that gap.
The new Water Research Forum complements the Aquatech Innovation Forum and the Integrated Leaders Forum and strengthens the scientific basis of the Aquatech International Water Week 2027 by linking current research to innovation, policy, the business community, and practical solutions for water utilities, industries, and cities. The forum will take place on Thursday, March 11, 2027. All participants will have free admission to Aquatech Amsterdam.
IWA will serve as the lead partner of the Water Research Forum during the 2027 edition in Amsterdam. The organization will be responsible for scientific and content leadership, will put together the program, and will help attract international speakers and participants. Aquatech will provide the event platform, marketing reach, and operational execution.
“An innovation that takes decades to find its way into practice comes too late,” says Dr. Kala Vairavamoorthy, Executive Director of IWA. “Evidence alone is not enough to ensure that new solutions gain widespread acceptance; knowledge spreads through trusted individuals and networks. IWA can identify and mobilize these networks across disciplines, technologies, and geographic boundaries, ensuring that the right expertise reaches the places where it can have the greatest impact and accelerate implementation.”
The Water Research Forum is dedicated to Scaling Integrated Solutions for Water Resilience. Under the theme ‘Current research is the foundation for future innovations.’ The forum highlights the latest research developments, trends, and challenges in the water sector and demonstrates how these can shape the next generation of water technology.
“The future of water resilience is built on stronger connections between science, technology, and implementation,” says Daan Burghouts, Director of Aquatech Global Events. “Current research lays the foundation for future innovations. With IWA as a partner, Aquatech International Water Week strengthens the connection between scientific expertise, strategic decision-making, tactical innovation, and practical application. Together, we are creating a platform where research insights go beyond mere discussion and lead to concrete action, so that the global water sector can work toward a more resilient future.”
Through this forum, the partners are bringing together one of the world’s leading scientific water networks with one of the most important international platforms for innovation and the implementation of water technology. This creates a unique bridge between science, policy, and the market.
The partnership supports both organizations’ ambition to accelerate the adoption of next-generation water solutions, strengthen global water networks, and ensure that scientific breakthroughs reach the professionals responsible for implementing them.
