The recent Water Research Commission (WRC) symposium that took place from 16-18 September was hailed by all who attended as a great success.

The theme for this year’s symposium was “Universal access wherever you are” and formed the heart of the various panel discussions that focused on adequate distribution of safe drinking water and sanitation infrastructure to citizens.

An integrated approach to address the challenges of future water uncertainties, climate change, and changing habits, diets, lifestyles and water-demand patterns, was discussed by means of showcasing the most impactful water and sanitation research and technological innovations from South Africa and the various other countries represented.

Policy-makers received up-to-date overviews of research outcomes, adoption and emerging issues, and were given the opportunity to express their research needs.

WRC Knowledge Tree Awards

The symposium also hosted the second WRC Knowledge Tree Awards. These awards are presented to recipients whose research and innovations have impacted and uplifted the water and sanitation sector in a variety of ways.

Within the various research projects funded every year by the WRC a few individuals and project teams went way beyond the call of duty in their efforts to make their research real and relevant to others.

This year twelve researchers were honoured for the incredible impact they have made in their pursuit of scientific excellence and real-life relevance.

Recipients of WRC 2015 Knowledge Tree Awards were:

• Prof Leslie Petrik (University of the Western Cape) and Dr Barbara Tapela (University of the Western Cape) for their contribution towards transformation and redress
• Prof Geoff Pegram (University of KwaZulu-Natal) and Prof Wim van Averbeke (Tshwane University of Technology) for sustainable development solutions
• Associate Prof Ulrike Rivett (University of Cape Town) and Ms Rowena Hay (Umvoto Africa) for empowerment of communities
• Prof Olaf Weyl (South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), Honorary Professor at Rhodes University) and
• Ms Unathi Jack and team (Emanti Pty Ltd) for informing policy and decision making.