Technical Topic Co-Chairs for the IDRA World Congress 2026

The technical program of IDRA World Congress 2026 is being shaped by a distinguished group of international experts who bring decades of experience across desalination, water reuse, sustainability, digital innovation, project development, industrial water, utilities, finance, and emerging technologies.

Serving as Technical Topic Chairs, these industry leaders play a key role in guiding the Congress content, supporting the review process, identifying emerging trends, and helping ensure that the program reflects the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the global water sector.

Representing organizations from around the world, they contribute their expertise to create a high-quality technical agenda that promotes knowledge exchange, innovation, and collaboration across the water community.

We are pleased to introduce the Technical Topic Chairs who are helping shape the discussions, presentations, and insights that will define IDRA World Congress 2026.

Topic 1: Research and Innovation

Topic 2: Circular Water Economy and Net Zero, Environmental, Sustainability and Climate Adaption

Topic 3: Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence

Topic 4: Energy and Energy Efficiency

Topic 5: Direct and Indirect Potable Reuse Regulations

Topic 6: Project Implementation, Success Stories and Lessons Learned

Technical Program Topics and Subtopics

The IDRA World Congress 2026 technical program is organized around six key themes that reflect the evolving priorities of the global water sector. Within each topic, a series of focused subtopics will provide opportunities to explore emerging technologies, innovative practices, policy developments, operational experiences, and research findings.

Together, these topics create a comprehensive platform for sharing knowledge and advancing solutions that support water security, sustainability, and resilience worldwide.

Topic 1 Research and Innovation
1.1. Material Selection for Robust and Efficient Systems
1.2. Advances in Membrane Science and Technology
1.3. Engineering Optimization in the Design and Process of Seawater and Brackish Desalination and Water Reuse Plants
1.4. Intake and Outfall Systems
1.5. Pre-Treatment and Post-Treatment Systems
1.6. Novel Approaches and Case Studies in Desalination and Water Reuse
Topic 2 Circular Water Economy and Net Zero, Environmental, Sustainability and Climate Adaption
2.1. Water Footprint Assessment
2.2. Stewardship and Protection of Water Sources
2.3. Advances in Closed Loop Water Systems
2.4. Zero Liquid Discharge, Brine Management, Valorization and Resources Recovery
2.5. Sludge Treatment and Disposal in Desalination and Wastewater Reuse
2.6. Long-Term Environmental Impacts of Brine Discharge and Mitigation Measures
2.7. Environmental Impact Assessments in Water Projects
2.8. Water-Related Environmental Solutions in Oil and Gas Industry
Topic 3 Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence
3.1 Smart Infrastructure and Metering
3.2 Water Usage Optimization
3.3 Data-Driven Decision Support
3.4 Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Digital Twins
3.5 Smart Water Management in Water Treatment Systems and Water Distribution Networks
3.6 Digital Technologies for Non-Revenue Water Reduction, Leak Detection, and Asset Management
3.7 Cybersecurity, Data Governance, and Privacy in Water Systems
Topic 4 Energy and Energy Efficiency
4.1 Solar, Wind, Wave, Salinity Gradient, Hydropower, Gravity-Based Systems
4.2 Geothermal Water Treatment and Applications
4.3 Nuclear Power (Fission and Fusion) in Water Treatment
4.4 Improvements in Hybrid Renewable Projects
4.5 Mega Projects Leveraging Renewable Energy for Water Sustainability
4.6 Breakthroughs in Energy Recovery and Renewable Integration
4.7 Energy and Chemical Efficiency Optimization in Desalination
4.8 Clean Energy and Hydrogen Transition for Decarbonization
4.9 Realizing Carbon Neutral/Reduction in Water Sector
Topic 5 Direct and Indirect Potable Reuse Regulations
5.1 Water Quality and Public Health: Addressing Trace Organics (PFAS/PFOS, Pharmaceuticals, EDCs), Micro- and Nano-plastics, and Other Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CEC)
5.2 Indirect versus Direct Potable Water Reuse
5.3 Cost-Effective Detection and Measurements of CECs
5.4 Regulations and Permitting: Differences Across and Within Countries
Topic 6 Project Implementation, Success Stories and Lessons Learned
6.1 Seawater Desalination
6.2 Water and Wastewater Reuse for Industry and Irrigation
6.3 Industrial Water Treatment (Microelectronics, Mining, Pharmaceutical, Oil & Gas, Chemicals)
6.4 Food and Beverage Sector Water Innovation
6.5 Building Water Security for Cities and Rural Communities
6.6 Other