At the end of March, the dynamic environment of Delft University of Technology once again became a hub of collaboration and innovation, this time hosting a key Network-Wide Event for the NANAQUA project. Taking place between March 23–26 in Delft, the event brought together doctoral candidates for several days of intensive learning, exchange, and forward-looking discussions.
A Mature Network Coming Together
At month 18 since the start of the project, NANAQUA project has reached an exciting stage of development. Many of its doctoral candidates (DCs) have already been part of the programme for over a year, and this growing experience was clearly reflected throughout the event.
Discussions were deeper, ideas more refined, and the level of research progress evident across the group created a strong sense of momentum. The event provided a valuable opportunity to reconnect, reflect on progress, and build on the solid foundation already established within the network.
Cross-Project Synergies
A particularly enriching aspect of the week was the interaction with the 14 DCs from the sister project, NEUTEN (https://neuten.eu/)
This joint setting created a lively and diverse environment, where participants could exchange knowledge, compare approaches, and explore complementary research directions. The mix of perspectives sparked insightful conversations and opened the door to potential future collaborations across the two networks.
Advanced Training and Applied Learning
The programme combined advanced theoretical training with practical, hands-on components, tailored to the evolving needs of researchers at this stage:
- Classical statistical methods
Revisiting core concepts such as statistical tests and power analysis for small sample sizes, with a more critical and applied perspective. - Advanced statistical techniques
Addressing complex topics including outliers, robust statistics, and censored datasets—key challenges in real-world research. - Resource recovery from treatment systems
A collaborative module on process design in aerobic and anaerobic treatment plants, culminating in group presentations that demonstrated both technical depth and teamwork.
With participants bringing more experience to the table, these sessions evolved into true exchanges rather than one-way learning—enriching the experience for everyone involved.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
The programme also included a memorable site visit to the Heineken Brewery ‘s-Hertogenbosch, offering a practical glimpse into large-scale industrial processes.
Beyond its technical value, the visit provided a relaxed setting for informal discussions, strengthening connections within the group and allowing ideas to flow freely outside the classroom environment.
Building Momentum for the Next Phase
Over four full days, the NANAQUA Network-Wide Event proved both productive and energizing. With over a year of the project already behind them, participants are now entering a phase where results, insights, and impact are beginning to take clearer shape.
The sense of progress is tangible—but so is the ambition for what lies ahead.
There is still much to explore, develop, and achieve. And with the experience gained and the connections strengthened in Delft, the NANAQUA network is well-positioned to move forward with confidence and purpose.
Onward, one step forward to the next discoveries—together.
