Unity4Water team gathers in Västerås for collaboration and innovation

Last week, the Unity4Water project team convened at Mälardalen University (MDU) in Västerås for a kick-off meeting. This event marked a significant milestone for the project, as partners from various clusters met in person to discuss ongoing progress and future directions.

– We focused on fostering collaboration among the different expert groups involved in the project. Group discussions were a central part of the meeting, providing an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas, identify challenges, and explore synergies between the diverse fields of expertise, says Monica Odlare, professor at MDU and project manager for Unity4Water.

A highlight of the meeting was a visit to the university’s research lab, where participants were introduced to ongoing studies related to plant growth and food production. This visit offered valuable insights into the practical applications of the project’s research, reinforcing the connection between theoretical work and real-world solutions.

– I’m really proud that the PiiA program is funding the Unity4Water project, which is one of PiiA’s largest initiatives to date. By combining technology and social sciences, Unity4Water aims to transform the perception of water recycling and demonstrate sustainable methods for converting wastewater and process water into food, says Malin Rosqvist, program manager for Unity4Water and PiiA.

The site visit set a very positive tone for the project’s future efforts in collaboratively developing sustainable water management practices.