Water Research Community Launches in Manchester with Participation from Saudi and International Universities

The Water Research Community has officially launched its sixth edition in Manchester, United Kingdom, in collaboration with the University of Manchester, with high-level participation from representatives of Saudi and international universities, alongside leading researchers, experts, and decision-makers. The event is organized by the Water Technologies Innovation and Advanced Research Institute (WTIIRA), the innovation arm of the Saudi Water Authority (SWA).

The initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to address the growing challenges facing the water sector by strengthening applied scientific research and accelerating the translation of research outcomes into sustainable technological solutions that enhance water supply efficiency and support long-term resource sustainability.

The opening ceremony, attended by H.E. Eng. Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkarim, President of SWA, featured an overview of research and innovation strategies in the water sector, highlighting promising technologies and successful international models. The ceremony also shed light on the Global Prize for Innovation in Water (GPIW) and its role in reinforcing a culture of innovation and encouraging researchers to develop solutions with tangible impact on the sector.

Through bilateral meetings, panel discussions, and roundtable sessions, the Water Research Community explored opportunities for international collaboration, knowledge transfer, and the development of emerging technologies, in partnership with global research institutions and companies. These engagements aim to build an effective research ecosystem that supports researchers and enables the sector to adopt innovative, deployable solutions.

The sixth edition of the Water Research Community reflects the SWA’s commitment to strengthening international collaboration and aligning scientific research outcomes with sector needs, generating measurable applied impact and enabling participants to develop insights, partnerships, and research initiatives that contribute to advancing the future of the water sector at both regional and global levels.