On September 22-24, 2023, the International Water Association Young Water Professionals China (IWA-YWP China) held an annual meeting at the Beijing International Convention Center. The event was organized by the IWA-YWP China, co-hosted by the College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering at Peking University and the School of Environment at Tsinghua University. Themed "Opportunities and Challenges of Water Technology Under the Background of New Engineering", this meeting focused on the interdisciplinary exploration of the water sector with subjects such as artificial intelligence, big data, and biomimetic intelligence. The aim was to promote the high-level international development of the water industry at the forefront of science and technology, creating an important platform for young technology professionals in the water industry to research, discuss, and exchange thoughts and ideas.

The meeting venue

The opening ceremony was presided over by Professor Liu Sitong from the College of Environmental Science and Engineering at Peking University. The opening speeches were delivered by Kala Vairavamoorthy, Executive Director of the IWA, Professor Ni Jinren, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, from the College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering at Peking University; Professor Wang Can, School Council Chairman of the School of Environment at Tsinghua University, and Zhang Xiaoyuan, Chair of the IWA-YWP China. Dr. Li Hong, Asia and Oceania Regional Director of the IWA, Professor Wang Aijie, Distinguished Fellow of the IWA, Professor Pan Bingcai and Professor Wang Zhiwei, former Chairs of the IWA-YWP China, among others, attended the meeting.

Qu Jiuhui, Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, a researcher at the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Distinguished Professor at Tsinghua University, delivered a keynote report titled “Water Quality Science in the Context of New Engineering”. Yang Jing, Director of Environmental Engineering of the Division of Engineering and Materials of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, presented a keynote report titled “Reflections on the Development of Environmental Engineering Fundamental Research”.

In his video address, Kala Vairavamoorthy warmly welcomed the attendees. He expressed the hope that the participants would engage in extensive exchange, promote collaboration, and collectively advance water industry research to new heights. Ni Jinren congratulated the successful holding of the event, offering encouragement to young scholars. He expressed the desire for this meeting to provide a platform for young technology talents in the water industry, facilitating exchanges and contributing to the progress of water industry research. Moreover, he encouraged collaborative discussions on the IWA-YWP China's future development direction, aiming to provide crucial support for addressing significant national strategic issues. Wang Can summarized the current state of China's water industry, outlined future development trends, and acknowledged the IWA-YWP China's efforts in promoting exchanges among high-level young technology talents and facilitating the integration of core technologies with industry, academia and research in the water sector. He advocated joint efforts to propel the robust development of science and technology innovation in China's water industry and the field of water environment. Zhang Xiaoyuan introduced the development journey and prospects of the IWA-YWP China, proposing that this annual meeting would continue to uphold the principles of "innovation, openness, sharing, and collaboration", and commit to creating a platform for exchanges among high-level young talents in the water industry.

The meeting featured six chapters: "Joy of Listening and Learning," "Expansion of Thinking," "Interdisciplinary Exploration," "Industry Guidance," "Emotional Intelligence and Career Development," and "Going International." Participants delivered exciting thematic presentations and engaged in enthusiastic discussions around these chapters. Young technology professionals actively participated in speeches and exchanges, creating a strong academic atmosphere. In the closing session, Professor Wang Xiaochang from Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Member of the Board of Directors of the IWA, delivered a detailed and fascinating presentation titled "My Views on the Development and Internationalization of Water Technology".

The meeting also introduced a special column called "Young Water Professional’s Tech Show", showcasing innovative water treatment technologies and application scenarios developed by YWP members. This initiative sought to establish communication and collaboration platforms for young water professionals in academia and industry, and promote the practical application of industry technology.

Young scholar presenting research results

To encourage young technology talents in the field of water environment in China to actively engage in innovative basic research and core technology development, and promote the integration of the industry, academia, and research sectors, the IWA-YWP China, in collaboration with Capital Eco-Pro Group, established the "Rising Star Award" in 2017. The winners of this award were honored at the annual meeting. Zhang Meng, Secretary of the CPC Committee of Capital Eco-Pro Group, and Wang Zhengshu, Deputy General Manager, attended the award ceremony.

The meeting brought together more than 150 YWP members from over 60 institutions nationwide, including universities, research institutes, and the industry. Participants engaged in in-depth exchanges through reports and other means around the theme. The 2023 annual meeting of the IWA-YWP China concluded with enthusiastic discussions.

The current Managing Committee of the IWA-YWP China includes Zhang Xiaoyuan from Tsinghua University as Chair, Cao Xiaoxin from China Water Environment Group, Chu Wenhai from Tongji University, Li Qian from Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Lu Huijie from Zhejiang University as Vice Chair. Cai Ran from Capital Eco-Pro Group, Chen Jiejie from the University of Science and Technology of China, Chen Juan from Hohai University, Chen Yi from Chongqing University, Cheng Haoyi from Harbin Institute of Technology, Jia Yanyan from Sun Yat-Sen University, Jiang Hongyu from Beijing Enterprises Water Group, Liu Wen from Peking University, Ma Baiwen from the Research Center for Eco-Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Zhang Xiaolin from Nanjing University serve as Managing Committee Members. Adhering to the principles of "innovation, openness, sharing, and collaboration," the current Managing Committee of the IWA-YWP China continues to promote the exchange, cooperation, and development of young talents in the water industry.

Photograph of the participants

Contributed by: International Water Association Young Water Professionals China

Source: College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering at Peking University