We are pleased to share that Tiago Martins, Doctoral Candidate (DC3), recently participated in the IWA Resource Recovery 2025 Conference, held in Leeuwarden, The Netherlands, a leading global event focused on advancing sustainable practices in water and resource recovery. At this prestigious conference, Tiago presented the first communication of his PhD research through a scientific poster titled: “Metal Removal from Wastewater Sludge through Electrochemical Processes” Tiago’s work addresses one of the major environmental and technical challenges in wastewater treatment: how to deal with the vast volumes of sludge produced globally each year. In his presentation, he introduced the conceptual framework of his PhD project, along with the first experimental results that demonstrate how electrochemical processes can successfully remove metals from wastewater sludge with low energy consumption. This innovative approach not only paves the way for more sustainable sludge management but also contributes to the circular economy by recovering valuable resources

We’re excited to share that Tiago Martins, our Doctoral Candidate (DC3), is participating in the prestigious Jong KNCV Spotlight Prize, a national science communication competition hosted by the Young Royal Netherlands Chemical Society (Jong KNCV). This annual event challenges emerging scientists to distil their cutting-edge research into a compelling one-minute pitch for both expert and general audiences. Tiago’s research tackles a major yet often ignored issue in wastewater treatment: sludge. Typically seen as waste, sludge is generated in enormous quantities across Europe every year. But instead of viewing it as a burden, Tiago sees an opportunity. Through a novel electrochemical “urban mining” approach, he is developing a sustainable process to recover valuable metals from wastewater sludge. These materials can be reused in various industries, supporting resource efficiency and supply chain resilience. At the same time, the process detoxifies the sludge, transforming it into a safe, nutrient-rich fertiliser for agricultural use.

On a sunny day filled with curiosity and enthusiasm, Tiago Martins, a Doctoral Candidate (DC3) at the INCLUE Project and hosted at Nijhuis Saur Industries, joined colleagues and their families for the company’s annual Family Day. This event opens the workplace to employees’ loved ones and brings science and industry closer to home. Held at the heart of Nijhuis Saur Industries, the event gave visitors (from toddlers to grandparents) a unique behind-the-scenes look at what the company does to make water cleaner and the planet more sustainable. Children played games and explored the facilities, families engaged with interactive exhibits, and employees proudly showed the innovations they contribute daily. Among the many highlights of the day was Tiago’s passionate engagement with the young attendees. As part of the R&D team, he shared insights into the cutting-edge research he’s conducting on sludge valorisation, an often overlooked yet vital part of creating a