World-leading scientist wins International Water Association Global Water Award

Professor Joan Rose has been announced as the 2024 winner of the prestigious International Water Association (IWA) Global Water Award at the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition in Toronto, Canada.

The highest of IWA’s global accolades, the Global Water Award recognises exceptional individuals who, through innovative leadership and practice, have made an outstanding contribution to progress towards a world in which water is wisely managed.

Professor Joan Rose, a global leader on wastewater surveillance, is the Homer Nowlin Chair in Water Research at Michigan State University and Co-Director of the university’s Center for Advancing Microbial Risk Assessment (CAMRA). Her work on water reuse, pathogen removal, the source tracking of pathogens, and climate and waterborne diseases, has contributed to international understanding of the impact of water quality on health.

Presentation of the award was made on 11 August during the Opening Ceremony of the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition taking place in Toronto, Canada, 11-15 August.

The biennial IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition draws together individuals and organisations from across the globe who are working to advance solutions to the world’s most pressing water challenges. Focusing on the theme of ‘Shaping our water future’, the event has particular relevance to the climate change agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

A hugely respected member of the global water community, Joan is a member of the US National Academy of Engineering. Her research focuses on the application of new molecular methods, surveillance of pathogens, removal of pathogens by water and wastewater treatment, and quantitative microbial risk assessment. Her career has addressed the pressing problems of cryptosporidium and protozoa, with her research producing leading, globally respected academic papers on the subject.

Professor Joan Rose, right, receiving the IWA Global Water Award from IWA President Tom Mollenkopf AO.

The IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition gathers water experts, thought-leaders, decision makers, leading researchers, and business representatives from within and outside the water sector. Keynote speakers are top specialists in their field. They frame the critical debates facing the water sector, while workshops, technical sessions, business forums, and solutions presented in the global exhibition showcase the latest science and best practices.

The International Water Association is a global network of water professionals, researchers, and practitioners committed to achieving sustainable water solutions. IWA connects people and organisations to drive innovation, knowledge, and best practices in water management.