Last week (20-24 June), I had the opportunity to represent our INCLUE project at the IWA Particle Separation Conference 2026, hosted by Hokkaido University in Sapporo, Japan. The conference brought together researchers and professionals from around the world working on particle separation, resource recovery, water treatment, and related environmental technologies.
During the conference, I presented my PhD work on metal electro-recovery from drinking water treatment sludge, a research topic that explores how electrochemical processes can contribute to resource recovery and circular water management. The presentation was delivered during Technical Session 17, alongside contributions from Emile Cornelissen (KWR / Ghent University), Pedro Carrilho (University of British Columbia), and Daiki Shirakawa (Japan National Institute for Environmental Studies).
The session generated engaging discussions and valuable feedback from attendees, providing an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and explore different perspectives on resource recovery technologies. Such interactions are particularly valuable, as they help place individual research projects within the broader context of ongoing developments in the field.
Beyond presenting my own work, the conference offered an excellent learning experience. A wide range of presentations covered topics that extended well beyond the direct scope of my PhD research, exposing me to new methodologies, emerging technologies, and alternative approaches to challenges in environmental engineering and water treatment. These opportunities to learn from experts across different disciplines are among the most rewarding aspects of participating in international scientific conferences.
As my PhD journey approaches its final stages, attending conferences like this serves as an important reminder of the value of scientific exchange. Research can often be an individual and challenging process, but conferences create spaces where ideas are openly discussed, assumptions are challenged, and new collaborations emerge. Receiving thoughtful questions and seeing genuine interest in our work was both encouraging and motivating, reinforcing the relevance of the research being conducted within this project.
Equally important were the informal interactions that took place throughout the week. Conversations during coffee breaks, conference events, and social activities often lead to new ideas, future collaborations, and lasting professional relationships. These moments highlight that scientific progress is not driven solely by experiments and data, but also by the communities that researchers build together.
The conference also provided the opportunity to experience the unique culture and natural beauty of Hokkaido, Japan. Exploring the local surroundings and sharing experiences with fellow researchers from around the world added another memorable dimension to the trip.
I would like to thank the conference organizers, session chairs, fellow presenters, and all participants for creating such a stimulating and welcoming environment. Events such as these organised by the Internation Water Association (IWA) play a vital role in advancing research by connecting people, fostering collaboration, and encouraging the exchange of knowledge across disciplines and borders.
Ilook forward to continuing to develop this research and sharing future results with the scientific community.