From 27 September to 8 October 2026, Professor Yumeng Zhao led a three-member delegation of faculty and students from the School of Environment at Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) to the United Kingdom for a series of cooperation and exchange activities with the International Water Association (IWA). IWA is one of the world's most influential non-profit international professional organisations in the water sector, working to advance water science, technological innovation, sector governance and policy through collaboration.
During the visit, the delegation presented a midterm progress report on the Next Generation Sanitation Systems (NGSS) international collaborative project and took part in technical discussions. The team also attended the IWA Specialist Groups Leadership Forum, a meeting on IWA Publishing's new journal China Water Knowledge, and a meeting of the incoming IWA Young Water Professionals (YWP) Steering Committee. Through discussions with international water organisations, research institutions and industry experts, the delegation advanced the School's cooperation in international research, professional organisations, the development of young professionals and the dissemination of research outcomes.
The NGSS project was a key focus of the delegation's international research exchanges. At a dedicated NGSS workshop, Professor Zhao presented interim research findings on decentralised physicochemical water treatment technologies. The team also displayed a 3D-printed model of its pilot-scale decentralised wastewater treatment system, a ceramic membrane module and videos of the equipment in operation, introducing the technical features and development progress of the integrated treatment system. PhD student Jiaxuan Li and other team members contributed to the on-site demonstrations and technical discussions. The delegation held in-depth discussions with international partners, including Stanford University, Ghent University and Cranfield University, on technology development, equipment optimisation and engineering applications for decentralised wastewater treatment. The team also shared technical insights and practical experience with international water companies, including Veolia, laying the groundwork for further project development and international demonstration projects.
To strengthen cooperation within international professional organisations, the delegation attended the IWA Specialist Groups Leadership Forum. The forum brought together representatives of IWA's specialist groups to discuss emerging research priorities in the water sector, interdisciplinary collaboration, the organisation of international academic events and the development of professional networks. Through discussions with international experts, the delegation gained insights into how IWA's specialist groups operate and their development priorities, and explored ways to strengthen research collaboration, academic exchange and talent development between the School and these groups.
The delegation also attended a meeting on China Water Knowledge, a new journal from IWA Publishing, as part of its engagement in international academic publishing and research communication. Participants discussed the journal's scope and development strategy, editorial content and international outreach, considering how it could better present China's water research, technological innovation and engineering experience to international audiences. The team discussed needs and opportunities for the international dissemination of Chinese water research with IWA Publishing and other experts. These exchanges opened further avenues for the School to contribute to international journal development and increase the global visibility of China's water research.
The visit also included activities with the IWA Young Water Professionals Steering Committee (YWP SC), focusing on the development of young professionals and their participation in international organisations. As a member of the incoming committee for 2026–2028, Professor Zhao met with representatives of IWA Governing Members and young water professionals from different countries to discuss professional development, participation in international organisations and cross-border research collaboration. Discussions focused on expanding opportunities for young water professionals in China to take part in international academic events, collaborative research projects and professional organisations. As a member of the inaugural cohort of the IWA Leadership Programme for Young Water Professionals (LeaP), Professor Zhao also shared experiences of international collaboration and leadership development for early-career researchers with IWA Board members and international experts, including former IWA President Glen Daigger.
The visit strengthened the School's cooperation with IWA and broadened its international research network. Through the NGSS midterm progress presentations, exchanges with international professional organisations, discussions on academic publishing and activities supporting young professionals, the delegation presented the School's recent progress in advanced water treatment technologies and strengthened ties with international water organisations, research institutions and industry experts. Building on these exchanges, the School will continue to advance technology development and engineering applications through international collaborative projects, contribute to international professional organisations and the development of young professionals, and promote the international dissemination of China's water research and engineering experience, further enhancing its academic influence in the global water sector.
The delegation presents NGSS project progress and takes part in technical discussions
The delegation presents NGSS project progress and takes part in technical discussions
Professor Yumeng Zhao presents interim project results.
PhD student Jiaxuan Li presents the research poster.
The delegation attends the meeting on IWA Publishing's new journal China Water Knowledge.
The delegation exchanges ideas with IWA Board members.
The delegation attends the IWA Specialist Groups Leadership Forum.
