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15th Water Research Horizon Conference Towards sustainable urban water cycles
Report on the 15th Water Research Horizon Conference
Urban water systems face mounting pressures from climate change and urbanization, demanding innovative, and interdisciplinary solutions. The 15th Water Research Horizon Conference brought together experts from diverse fields to explore sustainable urban water cycles, integrating nature-based solutions and fostering collaboration. This event underscored the vital role of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing water challenges and shaping resilient urban futures.
Read reportAI workshop by BfG and WSA Artificial Intelligence in Water Research – Opportunities, Potentials, and Challenges
Report on the AI workshop organized by BfG and WSA
At a joint workshop organized by the Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG) and the Water Science Alliance, which took place on October 8 and 9, 2025, in Koblenz, 120 experts from federal and state government agencies, universities, and research institutions discussed how the potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning can be used in practice. On the first day of the event, a wide range of presentations were offered in four thematic sessions: “Hydrology,” “Water Budget,” “Image and Video Processing,” and “Generative AI.” The second day focused on exchange: at the World Café, around 50 participants discussed the opportunities and challenges of using AI in various areas of application.
Read reportWSA Career Navigator Grant Linking classic taxonomy and potential of genetic methods in dipterology
WSA Travel Grant for Lisa Wolany
Lisa Wolany (University of Duisburg-Essen) joined the Diptera Symposium in Bavaria with support from the WSA Career Navigator Grant. The exchange between classical taxonomy and genetic methods gave valuable input for her PhD on Diptera responses to extreme weather.
Learn moreStatement on the position papers from the coalition negotiations between the CDU/CSU and SPD
WSA recommends three key adjustments
The WSA has taken note of the coalition working groups' drafts with great interest. It expressly welcomes the clear commitment to Germany as a research location, but urgently recommends three key adjustments to research and water policy. These aspects should also be reflected in the final coalition agreement, as water and inland waters are central, critical, and security-relevant resources for Germany.
Read statement (german)Start of the new WSA Lecture Series 12.12.2024 - 01.00 PM
Challenges and prospects for managing urban water
Start of the new WSA Lecture Series
The WSA invites you to a special event on water research jointly organised with the Centre of Water and Environmental Research (ZWU) at the University of Duisburg-Essen. The programme opens with a keynote lecture by Prof. Dr. Christoph Donner (Berliner Wasserbetriebe) at 1:00 pm, accessible both on-site and via ZOOM. More program highlights and networking opportunities await on-site.
More informationFacing the Flood An Interview with Prof. André Niemann
Germany's Growing Climate Challenge
Germany is facing an alarming rise in severe flooding, with regions from North Rhine-Westphalia to Bavaria increasingly affected by extreme weather. As climate change intensifies, more frequent and intense floods put vulnerable areas at significant risk, underscoring the urgent need for resilient solutions to protect communities and infrastructure.
An article in the gwf was based on this interview. Read the full article: The growing challenge of flood management
Read the full interviewFirst WSA Career Navigator Grant approved
On the road to expertise: the electrofishing licence as the key to fish ecology
The aquatic world is vital for ecological balance, with fish playing a central role as indicators of water quality. Stefan Grosenick from the Aquatic Ecology working group at the University of Duisburg-Essen, who recently received the first WSA Career Navigator grant, is obtaining an electrofishing license to enhance his expertise and contribute to aquatic conservation.
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