50th FiW Research Advisory Board Provides Impetus for the Water Sector

The FiW Research Advisory Board met for the 50th time to discuss current developments, new research approaches and practical questions in the water sector. The anniversary meeting took place on 15 June 2026 at the invitation of the Chair, Ms Ulrike Franzke, at the premises of Ruhrverband in Essen.

The focus was on direct exchange between the members of the Research Advisory Board and FiW staff. After an insight into ongoing FiW activities and the status of the implementation of previous recommendations, three current thematic areas were presented that address key future challenges in the water sector: adaptation to climate impacts and crisis preparedness, heat concepts for wastewater treatment plants, and the use of residual materials as resources.

In the established World Café format, the members discussed the research and development potential of the presented approaches together with FiW colleagues, as well as possible links to practical application:

• Between climate adaptation and crisis preparedness – future strategies for the water sector (Anika Laux & Thurid Roth)
• Simulation-based heat concepts for wastewater treatment plants: heating networks, heat storage & more (Carl Fritsch & Lukas Hammerschick)
• From residual material to resource: rotary kiln technologies for the wastewater treatment plant of the future (Dipl.-Ing. Alejandra Lenis & Dr.-Ing. Frank Benstöm, atd GmbH)

For FiW Managing Director Dr.-Ing. Niederste Hollenberg, the anniversary meeting also marked her first participation in the FiW Summer Research Advisory Board in her new role. She gave an outlook on current activities and, together with the FiW team, emphasised the importance of the Research Advisory Board as a source of impetus for application-oriented research and transfer.

A special programme item was the virtual excursion offered by the Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management at the University of Duisburg-Essen. During a VR tour, participants gained insights into a virtual 3D model of a fish pass on the Ruhr River and a fish hatchery. The excursion vividly demonstrated how digital models can be used for planning, communication and knowledge transfer in the water sector.
 
We would like to thank the members of the Research Advisory Board for the engaged discussion, valuable input and constructive feedback on our research approaches. Special thanks go to Ruhrverband for its hospitality and for hosting the meeting, as well as to Ms Johanna Schimanski from the Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Water Resources Management at the University of Duisburg-Essen for the successful virtual excursion.