This virtual visioning event will convene top researchers from various sectors to consider the theme of Engineered Systems for Water Security.
February 1-2 • Virtual
The goal of ERVA visioning events is to identify specific areas that are nascent or require additional exploration with the potential for the greatest return on investment. Accordingly, we seek multi-disciplinary researchers who can help ERVA identify less-explored, basic and use-inspired lines of research ripe for engineering community pursuit. We invite you to nominate yourself to participate in expert, informed discussion and interactive thematic breakout sessions. Please share this information with interested colleagues from within or beyond your organization.
Engineered Systems for Water Security
Managing water in urban and rural communities across the United States can be understood as a system of systems, analogous to how the various organs in the body use and cycle water. Each organ has its own needs and its own way of recovering resources from the water. At the same time, each has a symbiotic relationship with other organs in the body; the healthy function of one system affects the healthy function of others. Despite these complex interdependencies, the human body is more efficient at processing water than our engineered water systems.
ERVA invites you to participate in an event to re-envision the relationships between the components comprising today’s water systems and to prioritize new research directions for future sustainable systems. Event participants will identify bold engineering visions for interconnected, secure water systems architecture that optimizes the bio-circular economy through energy neutrality and resource recovery. These systems could include distributed digital sensing control and treatment, marginal water sources, and the development of low-water system technologies for the socially equitable provision of water. The event will include a range of engineering disciplines--from bioengineers to civil engineers—to catalyze innovative thinking on sustainable systems for drinking water, stormwater, and wastewater, as well as waterless and new water systems.
We are now accepting nominations for our Thematic Task force and for visioning event participants. Please follow the link below to nominate!
Nomination Evaluation Criteria
Participants will be evaluated on the merit of the candidate’s participation based on the following general criteria:
- Research alignment. Alignment of candidate’s research interests and current research agenda with the event theme/goals;
- Demonstrated expertise. Significance and uniqueness of contribution to relevant fields; and
- Persuasive case. Evidence-base for nomination, as described by the nominator.
As there are limited spots and many nominees may meet the above criteria, participant selection will also take into account ERVA’s identity as a diverse, inclusive, and engaged partnership that enables an array of voices to impact national research priorities. Such considerations include an overall participant list diverse by dimensions including but not limited to:
- research discipline;
- geographic location;
- organization sector and type;
- gender;
- race/ethnicity; and
- career stage.
Decisions regarding nominee invitations to participate will be guided by the overall objective of ensuring a successful visioning event. Following a review of nominations, ERVA will notify candidates who are selected to participate. This could also include further contributions during or beyond the scope of the visioning event. Those nominees not selected for this event will be considered, as appropriate, for future ERVA visioning events and other activities.