News
Paracetamol-themed laboratory workshops
Encouraging Young Minds: Nitin Kumar Engages Pupils in Chemistry at Paracetamol Workshops
INCLUE Project Presented at STOWA Slib Symposium 2025
On the 2nd of October, the INCLUE project was featured at the STOWA Slib Symposium 2025, where researchers and industry experts gathered to discuss the future of sludge (“slib” in Dutch) management in the Netherlands under the theme “Zijn we klaar voor 2050?” (“Are we ready for 2050?”). Andrea Deiana (DC4) presented a pitch on his research, ensuring that the fate of emerging contaminants would not slib out of the talks. Covering topics from sludge incineration capacity to the presence of contaminants of emerging concern, from dewatering to alternative uses
From Impact to Insight: Applying Life Cycle Approaches for Sustainable Decisions
On Friday, 5 and 19 September 2025, KU Leuven’s Doctoral Researcher Paniz Pouryaghoubi (DC8) hosted two interactive workshops on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology and the use of GaBi (Sphera) software for environmental sustainability evaluations. The goal of the sessions was to deepen participants’ understanding of sustainability metrics and environmental impact analyses while equipping them with the essential knowledge to conduct LCA modeling. LCA is a powerful methodology for evaluating the environmental impacts of a product or process throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. As highlighted
INCLUE Researcher Tiago Martins Nominated MSCA Fellow of the Month (August)
The INCLUE project is proud to announce that our researcher, Tiago Martins, has been selected as the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Fellow of the Month for August. The MSCA Fellow of the Month is a monthly spotlight initiative by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, showcasing the achievements of outstanding fellows across Europe and beyond. The recognition highlights not only scientific excellence but also the impact of fellows’ work on society, sustainability, and international collaboration. This recognition highlights Tiago’s outstanding contribution to sustainable innovation in wastewater treatment. His research at KU Leuven
Exploring Torrefaction of Sludge and Microplastics
From June to August 2025, INCLUE Doctoral Candidate Andrea Deiana (DC4) completed his first secondment in collaboration with Torwash, one of the project’s most active associate partners. Under the guidance of Jan Pels, researcher and co-founder of Torwash, Andrea conducted a series of tests on the thermal treatment of microplastics and sludge under varying conditions. This work is part of a joint research effort with Doctoral Candidate Martine (DC6), based at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). Together, they are investigating the effects of combining thermal processes and anaerobic
DC1 begins secondment at University of Oxford
Francisco Ayala, DC1 from KU Leuven, has begun on July 2nd his secondment at James Kwan’s research group (University of Oxford), internationally recognized for its expertise in sonochemistry and reactor engineering. Here, Francisco will deepen his research on ultrasound degradation and defluorination of PFAS. Prof. Kwan’s group is uniquely equipped with state-of-the-art and in-lab developed ultrasound reactors that can operate across a wide range of frequencies and pressures. This will allow Francisco to explore how mid- and high-frequency and pressures influence PFAS degradation pathways, defluorination efficiency, energy consumption, and by-product
Tiago Martins (DC3) Begins Secondment at WatchFrog to Investigate the Effect of Electrowinning on Sludge Toxicity
Tiago Martins, our DC3 PhD candidate from KU Leuven and Nijhuis Saur Industries, has officially started the first part of his secondment at WatchFrog, a leading biotechnology company specialising in endocrine disruption testing. This marks a significant step in his research on the sustainable treatment of sludge. Building on his expertise in electrochemical sludge treatment, Tiago’s secondment will focus on evaluating how electrowinning— the technique he is using to extract metals—affects the endocrine-disrupting potential and toxicity of various sludge types. By using WatchFrog’s advanced bioassays, XETA (Xenopus Eleutheroembryonic Thyroid Assay)
PETLab Seminar (KU Leuven, Campus De Nayer)
Communicating LCA Beyond the Lab: My Seminar Presentation Experience at KU Leuven
Tiago Martins (DC3) named “Researcher of the Month” by MCAA Spain-Portugal Chapter
We are pleased to share that Tiago Martins (DC3), PhD researcher within the INCLUE project, has been selected as “Researcher of the Month” (May) by a co-joint project of the MCAA Spain-Portugal Chapter and the MCAA Brazil Chapter. This recognition follows his earlier distinction as MSCA Fellow of the Month at EU level by the MCAA Association, highlighting the international visibility and relevance of his work within the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) community. Tiago’s research focuses on transforming wastewater sludge from a hazardous byproduct into a valuable resource. Using electrochemical
INCLUE Researcher Tiago Martins Featured in IWA Youth Voices Podcast
International Water Association (IWA) has recently released a new episode of its IWA Youth Voices podcast series, featuring INCLUE doctoral researcher Tiago Martins (DC3). 🎧 Listen to the episode: https://www.iwa-network.org/podcasts/becoming-a-scientist-abroad-advice-from-young-scientists-for-young-scientists In the episode, titled “Becoming a Scientist Abroad: Advice from Young Scientists for Young Scientists”, Tiago speaks with Natasha Mumba about his experience pursuing a PhD in an international context. The discussion highlights both the opportunities and challenges of building a research career across borders. Drawing on his work within the INCLUE project, Tiago shares insights into his research on
INRAEching knowledge on sludge organics, matters. DC4 starts secondment at LBE Narbonne
Only a 9-hour train journey, with the usual complexities of a Paris transfer, connects Delft to Narbonne. An easy trip for Andrea Deiana (DC4) and his 10kg of thermally treated sludge samples. And so, Andrea’s three-month secondment at INRAE’s Laboratoire de Biotechnologie de l’Environnement began this March. The aim? Studying the interactions between organic matter and micropollutants after sludge thermal treatment. Easy to say, yet complex by nature to analyse. Stay tuned for some results that matter!
Bridging Research and Learning: Nitin Kumar Presents to a Broad Academic Audience at the University of Glasgow
A diverse academic audience gathered at the University of Glasgow to hear doctoral researcher Nitin Kumar (DC11) present his work titled “Holistic Sensing of Pollutants and Ecotoxicity in Wastewater Treated Sludge”, a topic that is far more fascinating than it might first appear. The presentation offered an insightful introduction to the science of sludge, a topic that, despite its everyday relevance, is often overlooked in mainstream scientific discourse. Kumar guided the audience through the fundamental concepts underpinning his research, breaking down technical ideas into clear and relatable terms without sacrificing
What-er-Congress! DC4 presents at the Nieuwjaars Watercongres 2026 (VC76)
At the start of the year, Andrea Deiana (DC4) had the chance to present his work under the INCLUE project during the Nieuwjaars Watercongres (VC76), a gathering of the Dutch Water sector at TU Delft. Increasing water pollution from emerging contaminants, costly wastewater treatment plants struggling to keep pace, and the desire to recover valuable nutrients were among the challenges discussed during the congress, accompanied by a provocative question: ‘The time is ripe, and we are ready to reap the fruits, but how do we do it?’ “Perhaps with some
Encouraging Young Minds: Nitin Kumar Engages Pupils in Chemistry at Paracetamol Workshops
On 2 December 2025, University of Glasgow doctoral researcher Nitin Kumar (DC11) participated in a series of Paracetamol-themed laboratory workshops for a group of pupils who travelled from Dumfries. Aimed at providing hands-on experience in chemistry, the sessions introduced students to practical aspects of pharmaceutical science while offering a glimpse into life as a researcher. The workshops were divided into two parts. In the first half, Kumar and a couple of colleagues delivered a short talk about their academic journeys and research projects, sharing insights into the day-to-day work of