Innovation-Driven Water Sustainability Conference Celebrates Scientists’ Achievements
JEDDAH: A groundbreaking event in Jeddah on Monday honored scientists for their exceptional work in researching desalination and wastewater treatment technologies. The third edition of the Innovation-Driven Water Sustainability Conference brought together 480 experts, scientists, researchers, specialists, and 40 leading organizations in the water sector from 20 countries.
Global Prize for Innovation in Desalination 2024 Awarded to Top Researchers
The prestigious Global Prize for Innovation in Desalination 2024 was presented to Lee Nuang Sim from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University for his project “uncovering the power of centrifugal reverse osmosis,” and Sue Mecham, CEO of NALA Membranes, for her project “chlorine stable new membranes for sustainable desalination and wastewater treatment/reuse.”
Mecham, a visionary from North Carolina, US, expressed her gratitude after receiving the award, stating: “We are honored to be selected for the Global Prize for Innovation in Desalination 2024. Our mission is to bring new membranes to market and reduce the cost and complexity of water purification.”
Saudi researcher Ghadeer Al-Balawi from the University of Tabuk was also recognized for her project “novel heterogeneous catalysts for improving wastewater treatment plants in Saudi Arabia,” showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to innovation in water sustainability.
Event Highlights Kingdom’s Dedication to Water Sustainability
The event’s opening ceremony was graced by Makkah Deputy Emir Prince Saud bin Mishal and Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley, underscoring the importance of scientific and research innovation in achieving water sustainability and security.
Abdullah Al-Abdulkarim, chairman of the Saudi Water Authority, emphasized the Kingdom’s dedication to promoting scientific and research innovation as a foundational element for sustainable water supply. The conference aims to showcase the impact of innovation in advancing water sustainability and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals for water and the environment.
Conference Drives Discussions on Water Industry Innovation
The two-day conference will continue to feature discussions on over 180 research papers and a water hackathon organized by the Saudi Water Innovation Center, highlighting the pivotal role of innovation in shaping the future of water prosperity.