BetterWater4All Network+ Early Career Researcher & Professional Conference

1^st Annual BetterWater4All Network⁺ Early Career Researcher & Professional Conference 2026

3-4 September 2026

Rik Medlik Building, University of Surrey

The Better Water for All Network⁺ brings together researchers, industry, policymakers, and communities to address urgent water challenges in the UK and beyond.

We invite Early Career Researcher & Professional to join us for two inspiring days showcasing the latest research and innovation with a wide range of presentations and posters, opportunities to network across disciplines and a chance to explore the wider world of water, this conference is certain to be both absorbing and enlightening. Enhance your skills, bolster your CV, and meet new people with us this summer.

From new PhD students/PDRAs to new lecturers and young professionals – all are welcome.

The Event

In this entirely FREE* conference will feature two full days of fascinating presentations from Early Career Researchers & Professionals working in the latest hot topics from across the country. We support active attendance with a generous accommodation & travel bursary. We are also inviting keynote speakers.

Wednesday 2^nd September: Arrival – informal drinks reception

Thursday 3^rd September: Presentation & poster sessions – (all day)

Friday 4^th September: Presentation & poster sessions

To participate first REGISTER, and then send us your ABSTRACT for either a poster or a presentation. We will be in touch to confirm and offer a place. Not yet a member? BetterWater4All membership is free and open-to-all – join now (and do tell your friends & colleagues). If you have any questions, including those on eligibility, please contact Mirjam and Zhufang at: manager@water4allnet.ac.uk

Registration

Register your details through Microsoft form here.

Abstract

Send us your brief 300-word abstract to manager@water4allnet.ac.uk as soon as possible. We use these to select our platform and poster presentations and to promote you in the event brochure, so early submission is best.

Key Dates:

Registration / Abstract deadline: 13/07/2026

Notification / Confirmation of Agenda position: 10/08/2026

The conference is free to attend. Participants who do not require travel bursary support are welcome to attend without submitting an abstract.

The Better Water for All Network brings together researchers, industry, policymakers, and communities to address urgent water challenges in the UK and beyond. By fostering interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering, environmental science, data, and social science, the Network aims to develop innovative, equitable, and sustainable solutions for water quality, availability, and resilience. Together, we are working to ensure secure and fair access to clean water for people and ecosystems, now and in the future. BW4A consists of 3 interconnected technical themes,

• Systems Approaches for Water Engineering

• Pollutant Measurement, Monitoring and Risks  

• Engineering innovation and implementation  

*Posters and Platform Presentations

Conference sessions will be organised around the abstracts we attract. On the abstract form, you can state a preference for poster or platform presentation. Please do not be discouraged if you fail to be offered a platform presentation – the session may be oversubscribed and there will be further opportunities in subsequent years. If not selected for a presentation slot, you will be offered a poster position.

Posters will be displayed in a relevant session. Send a copy of your Poster to us in advance for FREE printing and we will do the rest. Alternatively, bring your own and display on the day. Format: A1 Portrait. 

Final printing deadline: 25^th August 2026

Platform presentations will be 15 min. (+ 5 min. Q&A at the Chair’s discretion), describing your current work, either planned or completed. Your place will be confirmed after the abstract submission deadline.