From October 14 to October 17, 2025, the NANAQUA network gathered in Leuven for the second Network-Wide Event (NWE2) — the very first in-person meeting for many Doctoral Candidates (DCs), Supervisors, and partners came together as a complete team. The event marked an important milestone for the project, combining intensive scientific training, strategic discussions, and hands-on learning experiences in the field of wastewater treatment and environmental analysis.
The event began with a full Workshop Day, where the DCs immersed themselves in cutting-edge analytical and digital methods. The training covered three main areas: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learnin, Targeted analysis of micropollutants, and Untargeted analysis to identify byproducts in degraded environmental samples. These sessions provided not only valuable technical skills but also fostered interdisciplinary understanding, linking chemistry, environmental science, and data-driven innovation.
The following two days were devoted to the Consortium Meeting, the Supervisory Board Meeting, and the first in-person encounter with the REA Project Officer. The discussions were extremely productive, allowing partners to review progress, align objectives, and refine the research and training roadmap for the coming months. The meetings also strengthened collaboration across work packages and ensured that all scientific, administrative, and training components of the project are progressing in harmony.
Meeting the REA Project Officer in person added an important dimension to the discussions. The exchange was constructive and insightful, clarifying procedures and expectations while highlighting the achievements of the consortium so far. A long list of decisions and next steps emerged from these sessions, strengthening the clear and confident direction for the next stages of NANAQUA’s implementation.
The final day of NWE2, dedicated to the DCs, included a site-visit to Aquafin Leuven, one of Belgium’s leading wastewater treatment companies. During the site visit, the young researchers had the opportunity to see how advanced water treatment technologies are applied in practice, linking theory to real-world environmental impact. The visit was an excellent occasion for open dialogue — DCs asked questions, exchanged ideas, and received expert insights from practitioners working daily on sustainable water management.
NWE2 was an excellent opportunity for strategic discussions, open dialogue, idea exchange and personal networking. Doctoral Candidates’ curiosity, dedication, and enthusiasm are the driving forces behind the project’s success and their networking ad collaboration opportunity within NANAQUA MSCA network is their super-power . We wish them the best of luck as they continue to explore innovative solutions for cleaner, safer, and more sustainable water systems across Europe!
At the end of the site-visit, participants received a unique refreshment — a special soda created by Aquafin in collaboration with Aquaduin, made from purified wastewater! What a spectacular journey from wastewater to great flavour!
