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The WATERLINE project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revolutionizing advanced water skills and digital innovation in the water sector, successfully hosted a two-part International Academic-to-Business event on January 30th and February 20th, 2025.

The online sessions brought together over 70 participants worldwide, including academics, industry professionals and business representatives, to discuss the latest advancements in digital water solutions and the challenges facing the water industry. The event underscored the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in addressing global water challenges, such as water scarcity, climate change impacts, and the need for sustainable water management practices.

The event was organised under the WATERLINE’s project’s mission to engage with the quadruple helix stakeholders and bridge the gap between academia and industry, motivating innovation and capacity building in the water sector. The sessions focused on key themes such as digital transition in the water sector, water skilling to future-proof water professionals, and strategies in water management for a more resilient future, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration.

Session 1: January 30th, 2025 – Exploring Global Water Challenges

The first session, held on January 30th, set the stage by exploring the global water challenges that the industry faces today, including water scarcity, drought, and the increasing impacts of climate change. The session emphasized the critical role of industry support in addressing these challenges and highlighted how the WATERLINE project is uniquely positioned to tackle these issues through its innovative approaches and collaborative efforts.

Key Presentations:

MENDELU (Mendel University in Brno): Petra Oppeltová from MENDELU delivered a presentation titled “Facing the Water Scarcity Challenges,” which provided an overview of the impacts of climate change on the water sector. The presentation also included practical examples of drought management strategies from the Czech Republic, showcasing how innovative approaches can mitigate the effects of water scarcity.

Turku University of Applied Sciences (TUAS): Jan-Hendrik Körber from TUAS presented on “Digital Solutions to Support Urban Water Resilience.” He discussed the regional impacts of climate change on rainfall patterns and the associated risks of pluvial flooding. The presentation highlighted digital solutions developed by TUAS, including high-resolution monitoring of drainage systems, hydrologic and hydraulic models, and digital twins for stormwater management. These tools are designed to build resilient urban water systems that can adapt to changing environmental conditions.

NMBU (Norwegian University of Life Sciences): Agnieszka Katarzyna Cuprys from NMBU provided an overview of WATERLINE’s achievements, focusing on capacity-building initiatives such as the International Water Summer Schools, Life Cycle Assessment Training, and Scientific Writing Seminar. These programs have strengthened the research skills and experience of early career researchers.  

UNIRC (University of Reggio Calabria): Giacomo Falcone from UNIRC presented on “Strengthening Research and Innovation in the Digital Water Ecosystem.” He highlighted the project’s efforts to create an academic ecosystem for digital water, bringing together higher education institutions (HEIs), industry, government, and civil society. The presentation also outlined the development of a shared governance framework and an R&D capacity-building plan for the digital water sector.

MCAST (Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology): Edwin Zammit from MCAST provided an overview of how the three-tier Learning Environment system based on Extended Reality was developed in WATERLINE. This system was created to enhance transfer of knowledge, skills and competences transfer without confinements of borders and time, thus providing access to training from anywhere and at any time, overcoming traditional geographical and scheduling constraints.

Daren Scerri from MCAST provided a demo of the VR Water Distribution Network Rig, which was developed in-house. During his presentation, he explained the technical components of the system and outlined the development pipeline, offering insights into its creation and functionality.

The session concluded with a discussion on the unique contributions of the WATERLINE project, emphasizing its role in fostering innovation, partnerships, and the development of a resilient global water community.

Session 2: February 20th, 2025 – Digital Transition and Future Opportunities

The second session, held on February 20th, focused on the digital transition of the water sector and the opportunities it presents for achieving a sustainable and resilient water future. The session featured a keynote presentation by Dr. Lydia S. Vamvakeridou-Lyroudia, Director of Watershare and a Senior Researcher at KWR, who discussed the challenges and opportunities of digital technologies in the water sector.

Key Presentations:

UNI (University of Nis) – Aleksandar Djordjevic and Vuk Milosevic from UNI delivered an interactive presentation on the evolving skill requirements in the water industry, focusing on the skills gap and mismatch in ‘Digital Water’ from a multi-stakeholder perspective. They shared insights from a survey conducted across eight WATERLINE countries, gathering input from 216 stakeholders across academia, industry, policy, and civil society. Their conclusions emphasized raising awareness about water’s importance, aligning skills with industry needs, fostering an inspiring ecosystem, and strengthening industry engagement in both learning and production. Additionally, they facilitated an interactive activity with the event participants to explore challenges in the digital water sector from both academic and industry perspectives.

UNEXE (University of Exeter) – Dr. Lydia S. Vamvakeridou-Lyroudia: In her keynote presentation, Dr. Vamvakeridou-Lyroudia explored the EU’s twin green and digital commitments for a zero-pollution Europe by 2050. She emphasized the importance of managing the green and digital transitions simultaneously, with a systemic approach, to ensure a sustainable and just future. Her presentation also highlighted the role of the ICT4WATER cluster, which brings together over 80 projects to foster the digital transition in the water sector.

Digital Water Curriculum: The session also introduced the Digital Water Curriculum, developed within the WATERLINE project. This curriculum aims to equip water professionals with the skills needed to manage water resources effectively in the face of climate change and other challenges. The curriculum focuses on areas such as water allocation, distribution, wastewater disposal, and the management of hydrological extremes like droughts and floods. The presentation also addressed the potential bottlenecks in disseminating digital water education and the strategies needed to overcome them.

Panel Discussion: The session featured a panel discussion with Prof. Dr. Ali Gül,  Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sumeyra Duman and Assoc. Prof. Albert Chen who shared insights on the development of the digital water curriculum and its practical applications in the water sector. They discussed the importance of aligning the curriculum with the needs of water professionals and the challenges of implementing innovative educational programs.

Closing Remarks and Next Steps

The event concluded with closing remarks from the WATERLINE team, summarizing the key takeaways from both sessions and outlining the next steps for the project. Participants were encouraged to continue collaborating and engaging with the WATERLINE project as it moves forward with its initiatives, including the dissemination of the digital water curriculum and the development of the European Digital Water HEI Alliance.

Quote from Waterline Project Principal Researcher Edwin Zammit:

“The success of these sessions underscores the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in driving innovation in the water sector. By bringing together experts from diverse fields, we are paving the way for a sustainable and resilient water future. The discussions and insights shared during these events will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing success of the WATERLINE project and its mission to transform water management practices through digital innovation.”

Engage with Us

The WATERLINE project invites researchers, industry partners, policymakers, and the general public to join its journey toward a sustainable water future. Stay updated on the project’s progress and participate in upcoming events by following our social media channels and visiting our website: https://www.waterline-project.eu.

About Waterline:
The Waterline project is an ambitious initiative focused on transforming water skills through cutting-edge research, collaboration, and education. By establishing a European Digital Water HEI Alliance, Waterline aims to drive innovation and sustainability in water management and technology.

WATERLINE project receives funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe HORIZON-WIDERA-2021-ACCESS-05 under grant agreement No 101071306. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessary reflect those of the European Union or the Horizon Europe Programme. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

The European Plastics Converters (EuPC) will host its flagship annual conference, “THE FUTURE OF PLASTICS: Circular and Competitive,” on June 12-13, 2025, at the Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place. This premier event will bring together over 200 industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore cutting-edge advancements in the plastics sector, with a special emphasis on contact-sensitive plastics—materials critical for applications like food packaging, medical devices, and electronics.

As the plastics industry faces growing demands for sustainability, the 2025 CFREP conference offers a vital platform to address key challenges and opportunities. Topics will include recycling technologies, design for recyclability, evolving regulatory frameworks, and innovations in sustainable plastics. With a robust agenda featuring engaging discussions, expert-led sessions, and unparalleled networking, this event is a cornerstone for professionals across the plastics value chain.

SITES (Sustainable Innovation Technology Services), a global leader in enabling businesses to achieve sustainable development and innovation growth, is excited to participate in this prestigious gathering. SITES provides tailor-made services and solutions, partnering with organizations to make effective decisions in sustainability and innovation. Led by CEO Leonardo Piccinetti, SITES supports both public and private sector clients worldwide, with particular expertise in European project management. Their innovation consultants are ideally positioned to address the demands of contact-sensitive plastics, developing solutions that balance performance with environmental responsibility.

At the conference, SITES will unveil its latest innovations in recyclable plastics, designed to enhance circularity without compromising functionality. “We’re thrilled to join the 2025 CFREP conference and contribute to shaping the future of plastics,” said Leonardo Piccinetti, CEO of SITES. “Our team is committed to delivering solutions that meet the needs of contact-sensitive applications while aligning with the EU’s sustainability goals. We look forward to sharing our advancements and collaborating with industry peers.”

Attendees can visit SITES’ booth to explore these groundbreaking products and engage with their innovation experts. SITES will also deliver a presentation on “Designing Recyclable Plastics for Sensitive Applications”, offering practical insights into the next generation of sustainable plastics.

The 2025 CFREP conference is a unique opportunity for industry professionals to stay ahead in a fast-evolving field. With SITES’ active involvement, the event promises to spark innovation and foster collaborations that will redefine the plastics landscape.

For more information about SITES, visit their website at https://sinnovations.org/. To learn more about the conference and to register, visit [official conference link].

On March 25, 2025, from 11:15 to 16:30, SITES had the privilege of hosting an enriching training session titled “Horizon Europe Proposal Development,” led by Dr. Leonardo Piccinetti, Managing Director of Sustainable Innovation Technology Services Ltd. This event marked a significant opportunity for professionals in research and innovation to deepen their expertise in securing funding through the Horizon Europe framework.

Dr. Piccinetti, a renowned expert in EU consultancy and innovation strategy, brought his extensive experience to the table, offering practical insights and actionable strategies for crafting competitive proposals. The training was designed to empower participants with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of Horizon Europe, the European Union’s flagship research and innovation funding program.

Who Attended?

The session was tailored to a diverse audience, including:

• Researchers (from early-stage to senior levels) eager to explore EU funding opportunities
• Research managers and administrators tasked with supporting proposal development
• Project coordinators actively engaged in EU-funded research initiatives

This mix of participants fostered a dynamic exchange of ideas, bridging perspectives from across the research ecosystem.

What Was Covered?

The training unfolded over three engaging sessions:

• Session 1: Main Features of Horizon Europe – An overview of the program’s structure, priorities, and funding landscape.
• Session 2: Key Aspects to Prepare a Proposal – Practical guidance on building a compelling and competitive proposal.
• Session 3: Impact Pathways and Interactive Discussion – A deep dive into designing research with measurable impact, followed by a collaborative Q&A.

Key Takeaways

Participants walked away with:
✅ A comprehensive understanding of Horizon Europe’s framework and opportunities
✅ Hands-on techniques for writing effective, standout proposals
✅ Strategies to align research with impactful outcomes
✅ Clarity on evaluation criteria and the factors that drive success
✅ New connections and ideas for collaboration across institutions and disciplines

A Step Toward a Sustainable Future

The event underscored SITES’ commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the research community in tackling global challenges through European collaboration. Dr. Piccinetti’s expertise, paired with the enthusiasm of attendees, made the session both interactive and inspiring.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Leonardo Piccinetti for his invaluable contributions and to all participants for their active engagement. Together, we’re laying the groundwork for strong, innovative proposals that will shape a sustainable future.

Stay tuned for more opportunities to collaborate, learn, and innovate with SITES as we continue to support groundbreaking research and development across Europe!

Thank you

by

Maghraby Elseify

SITES -CC

We are thrilled to welcome Giulia Guazzo to the SITES family as our newest intern! Giulia is currently pursuing her Master’s in Resource Economics and Sustainable Development (RESD) at the University of Bologna, where she is honing her expertise in sustainability and resource management.

At SITES, Giulia will focus on Market Research and Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA), bringing her passion for sustainability and her commitment to creating positive social and environmental impacts. Her work will contribute to shaping strategies that align with SITES’ mission to drive innovation in sustainable development.

In her own words:
“At SITES, I aspire to deepen my understanding of sustainability and contribute to projects that foster a more sustainable future. By embracing social and environmental values, I aim to help shape strategies that create lasting, positive impacts on both people and the planet.”

Giulia’s dedication to sustainability and her analytical skills make her a valuable addition to our team. We are excited to support her growth and look forward to seeing her contributions to our projects.

Please join us in giving Giulia a warm welcome! 🌟

Istanbul, March 6, 2025 – SITES intern Giorgio Camerini delivered an insightful presentation at Marmara University, showcasing the capabilities of the Sustainfinity platform. The event was attended by esteemed guests, including Prof. Ahmet Feyzioğlu, CEO of INNOEM, and Leonardo Piccinetti, CEO of SITES.
Sustainfinity is an AI-driven platform designed to streamline corporate sustainability reporting. It addresses the challenges posed by the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which mandates comprehensive sustainability disclosures by 2026. The platform automates data tracking, supplier management, and carbon footprint calculations, enabling organizations to generate reports efficiently and cost-effectively. (sustainfinity.com)
During the presentation, Camerini highlighted how Sustainfinity’s features assist companies in engaging stakeholders, conducting materiality analyses, and developing tailored sustainability strategies. He emphasized the platform’s role in reducing the time and resources traditionally required for sustainability reporting, allowing businesses to focus on implementing impactful environmental initiatives.
Prof. Feyzioğlu expressed enthusiasm about the potential of Sustainfinity to transform sustainability practices in Turkey. He noted that integrating such advanced tools is crucial for companies aiming to meet regulatory requirements and enhance their environmental performance.
Leonardo Piccinetti commended Camerini’s comprehensive presentation and reiterated SITES’ commitment to fostering innovative solutions that drive sustainable development. He stated that empowering interns to lead such initiatives reflects the company’s dedication to nurturing talent and promoting environmental responsibility.

At SITES, we are proud to share that our CEO, Leonardo Piccinetti, has contributed to the recently published White Paper on Water Reuse in the Agri-Food Sector by Water Europe. This insightful publication addresses one of the most pressing challenges of our time: sustainable water management in agriculture.

The white paper outlines innovative strategies and policy recommendations to enhance water reuse practices, supporting the transition to a more circular and resilient agri-food system. Leonardo Piccinetti’s expertise in sustainable innovation and his dedication to fostering green solutions have been invaluable to the development of this critical document.
By promoting water reuse, we can mitigate water scarcity, reduce environmental impacts, and enhance food security across Europe and beyond. The paper serves as a vital resource for policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders committed to sustainable agricultural practices.

We encourage everyone to explore the full white paper and join the conversation on how we can collectively build a future where water is valued and preserved for generations to come.
Read the full report here.