Aquatic Pollutants Final Conference: Celebrating Progress and Shaping Future Waters

The Aquatic Pollutants Final Conference, held on October 22-23, 2024, in Frankfurt, Germany, was an engaging gathering of researchers, policymakers, and water management experts, all united in their commitment to addressing aquatic pollution. Hosted by DECHEMA, the event highlighted a series of interesting research results, lively discussions, and interactive exhibits designed to showcase the program’s achievements and foster dialogue around the future of aquatic ecosystem protection.

The conference opened with a warm welcome and set the stage for a packed agenda. Throughout both days, participants explored the latest findings from Aquatic Pollutants projects. In the common area, the Knowledge Transfer Booth offered an interactive space that brought science to life with engaging tools like the TransNet Viewer and games that shared “creepy facts” about pollutants. Attendees could also enjoy hands-on activities, from playing educational games to discovering podcasts and character cards—all aimed at enhancing knowledge transfer and public engagement in water research.

A key highlight of the conference was Naomi Timmer’s presentation of H2O People’s winning project in the AquaticPollutants Innovation Challenge. Her insights into the role of science communication in bridging knowledge gaps sparked valuable discussions. The event also celebrated outstanding research, with the ARENA project receiving the Best Poster Award for its work on rapid bacteria detection in aquaculture—a promising innovation with significant environmental implications.

The momentum continued into the second day, which focused on actionable solutions for water management and featured a panel discussion that brought together diverse perspectives on emerging challenges and future needs. From networking opportunities to the interactive Knowledge Transfer Booth, the conference offered an inspiring forum for exploring new ways to translate research into impact. As the event closed, the European Commission, JPI Oceans, and Water4All presented future research opportunities, setting the stage for continued collaboration and innovation.

As the Aquatic Pollutants ERA-NET draws to a close, the insights and connections made at this final event signal a strong foundation for future work. Together, we are shaping a healthier aquatic environment and advancing solutions that bridge research with real-world actions.

Download the brochure of projects for the conference