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The University of Warwick’s School of Engineering is making waves this World Water Day!

In collaboration with Monash University and Dr Gavin Bell, the Water for Development Community of Practice (WaDeCoP) is holding an event on 24th March 2025, bringing together leading experts to tackle global water challenges head-on.

World Water Day, observed annually on 22nd March, is a United Nations initiative dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of freshwater and advocating for sustainable water management. Since its inception in 1993, the day has served as a powerful platform to address water crises, including clean water access, sanitation, and climate change impacts. This year, the spotlight is on glacier preservation, emphasising the crucial role glaciers play in sustaining freshwater supplies for millions worldwide. Currently, 10% of the Earth's land surface is covered by glaciers, which store approximately 70% of the world's freshwater, and as they melt they release water that feeds rivers and provides drinking water for millions of people.

Glacier preservation is a survival strategy!

WaDeCoP’s Call to Action

At Warwick, WaDeCoP is stepping up to drive discussions, policy changes, and innovative solutions that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Clean Water and Sanitation for All. The upcoming event on 24th March 2025 will serve as a hub for thought leaders, researchers, and change-makers to explore pioneering technologies and interdisciplinary strategies to combat the global water crisis.

Dr Modupe Jimoh, Chair of WaDeCoP, shared her enthusiasm for the event:
“The celebration of World Water Day is a great opportunity to draw attention to an area of importance or challenge concerning our world and water. This year's theme serves as a call to action for us to contribute to preserving the water ecosystem and minimising the effects of climate change on glaciers. The Water for Development Community of Practice in Warwick acknowledges this day and uses it as an opportunity to reflect on the individual and collective work related to water carried out at our University and beyond.”

The team covers areas of work such as capacity building for sustainable water resources management, water quality sensors, water impacts in the health sector amongst others, and service design across contexts such as Africa and Mexico.

Meet Some of Warwick's Professionals in the Water Space:

· Dr. Modupe Jimoh (School of Engineering) – A leader in capacity building and expert in wastewater treatment. Her research focuses on sustainability improvements for water and wastewater purification, and she is passionate about educating the next generation of water engineers.

· Dr. Gavin Bell (Department of Physics) – A pioneer in water quality innovation, developing cutting-edge UV detection sensors for real-time water analysis. His work has exciting potential for citizen science initiatives and industry partnerships, with ongoing collaboration with Monash University.

· Prof. Mairi Macintyre (WMG) – A specialist in innovation and service design, she brings critical insight into water sustainability challenges, shaped by her hands-on experience in Mexico’s water sector.

· Prof. Julie Macpherson (Department of Chemistry) – A leading expert in electrochemical sensor development, with a focus on boron-doped diamond technology for environmental water monitoring and healthcare applications. Her research bridges materials science and electrochemistry, driving innovations in pollutant removal, advanced analytics, and sustainable chemical synthesis.

· Prof. Olatunji Kolawole (Warwick Medical School) – A distinguished researcher in infectious diseases and environmental health, with expertise in water surveillance and wastewater reuse. With over 150 publications, he plays a key role in public health initiatives, including COVID-19 advisory and poliovirus containment. His work focuses on improving water treatment and access to potable water in Nigeria.

· Dr. Soroush Abolfathi (School of Engineering) – An expert in water and environmental engineering, specializing in pollution transport, climate resilience, and sustainable infrastructure. His research spans microplastic pollution, coastal protection, and circular economy solutions, with global projects influencing policy and environmental management.

· Dr. Mark Barrow (Department of Chemistry) – A specialist in Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry, with a focus on petroleomics and complex mixture analysis. His research explores petroleum characterization, biofuels, and environmental impact assessment, with significant collaborations in industry and academia.

· Dr. Surangi Jayakody Mudiyanselage (Warwick Medical School) – A board-certified Public Health specialist with extensive clinical and teaching experience. She leads research methods and clinical skills modules, contributing to curriculum development and student research supervision. Her background includes clinical work across multiple medical disciplines and contributions to NICE guideline assessments.

A Global Movement for Water Sustainability

WaDeCoP is expanding its impact by joining AURA and The Guild, a prestigious collective of Europe and Africa’s most distinguished research-intensive universities focusing on innovative approaches to water resources management for a sustainable and just future. Additionally, WaDeCoP has received official accreditation from the UN for upcoming global Water Conferences—solidifying Warwick’s role as a leader in water sustainability research.

Stay Connected

Be part of the movement! Visit WaDeCoP’s website for the latest updates, news, and opportunities to engage in Warwick’s groundbreaking water initiatives.