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May 21 - 24, 2006 | Rapperswil, Switzerland
 View the Emerging Technologies projects
Twenty-six representatives from 13 nations gathered in Rapperswil, Switzerland May 21-24 for the Emerging Technologies XII Seminar. Hosted by the Eawag (Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology), this biannual seminar brings together international leaders in drinking water treatment research to discuss research advances and identify opportunities for future collaboration.
The Emerging Technologies Seminars have been instrumental in establishing the Foundation's position in the international drinking water research community. As a direct benefit of these seminars, the Foundation has been able to leverage substantial amounts of funding through cooperative projects as well as being aware of ongoing research efforts worldwide. This cooperation has helped improve the quality of the Foundation’s research as well as enhancing its reputation.
The Global Water Research Coalition (GWRC) is one example of a cooperative activity that was formed as a result of ET seminars. The recent increase in the number of international partnership projects are also an outcome of these seminars.
Emerging Technologies Identified
Over 100 ongoing research efforts were described in the seminar notebook, which is available on the "ET Project List". To foster collaboration, contact information is included for all organizations and research projects.
At the seminar, twenty-two technical presentations were made covering a wide range of emerging technologies and topics. Some of the common themes that emerged in these presentations included:
Increased collaboration – Presentations highlighted a significant increase in cooperative efforts among the participating organizations. The Foundation has partnered with three-quarters of the participating organization.
Risk assessment and risk management –With the continued improvements in the sensitivity of analytical procedures, identifying the health significance of low level of contamination is becoming a common issue. Approaches to risk management were discussed by several participants.
Small system challenges – As technologies continue to advance, the challenge of providing the same level of protection to small systems was discussed. The need for more technology transfer, training, as well as the economic viability of these systems was discussed.
From catchment to tap – This theme, which was discussed at past seminars, continues to be expanded upon. At this seminar, prevention as a means to minimize treatment was discussed.
Increased emphasis on the distribution network – There continues to be growing recognition that there needs to be an increased emphasis on distribution system awareness with quality issues, maintaining public confidence and prioritizing investments.
Value to the Foundation
The emerging technologies seminars continue to strengthen the Foundation’s position in international drinking water research. The Foundation already has ongoing cooperative efforts with the majority of seminar participants and a number of potential projects are being explored with additional partners as the result of this seminar.
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the Emerging Technologies projects
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