Celebrating Women in Science: Reflections from KWR Researchers

“I like working in science because it allows for creativity. Collaborating with different actors, we can pose novel research questions, test solutions, and connect ideas.”

Lisa Andrews MSc

My research explores how we can improve collaboration in tackling sustainability and water challenges. The way we work together significantly influences the solutions we develop and implement. I hope my work contributes to creating better tools, skills, and capacities to effectively work together and co-create relevant knowledge that leads to action on sustainability. My recent paper, Conceptualising boundary work activities to enhance credible, salient, and legitimate knowledge in sustainability transdisciplinary research projects, explores this further. Read more about Lisa her work.

“I enjoy working in science because it pushes me to think critically and approach complex problems in creative ways.”

Lydia Tsiami MEng

My research uses machine learning to design water distribution networks that can adapt to changing conditions. Traditional approaches struggle with future uncertainties, such as climate change, urban growth, and shifting topologies. As part of the ERC Synergy Grant Water Futures project, my work aims to develop intelligent decision-making frameworks that help stakeholders make socially acceptable and fair choices for managing water infrastructures in the cities of the future. 

“Being a researcher is perfect for me because it not only opens up new worlds through knowledge but also allows me to make a meaningful contribution to the world.” 

Sabrina Keinemans

My work focuses on justice and ethics in the water sector. Beyond technical solutions, we must reflect on what kind of world we want to live in. In the project Justice as a Pillar for the Water Sector, we explore how justice can shape the water transition. How can we ensure that the decisions made in this transition are not only technically sound but also ethically justifiable? Thinking and writing about this topic is incredibly energising because it is both educational and of societal importance. 

“For me, working in science means bringing researchers together to solve issues by generating new knowledge. You meet people with different backgrounds and perspectives, and I find it especially inspiring to work with early career researchers, who bring fresh eyes and new skills.” 

Milou Dingemans PhD

A healthy water environment requires cutting-edge research on next-generation, animal-free risk assessment. Through projects like PARC (Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals), we improve the risk assessments and sustainability of chemicals. The PARC initiative strengthens the scientific foundation for evaluating chemical risks, ensuring safer and more responsible decision-making in the future. Read more on Milou her work. 

“In every project, there are new insights to gain, which is why I enjoy working in science.” 

Tessa Pronk

My research focuses on improving our understanding of chemical water quality. One way we do this is by identifying clusters of pollution in surface water, deriving conclusions on whether the concentrations are rising or receding. Our recent study, Linking Clusters of Micropollutants in Surface Water to Emission Sources, Environmental Conditions, and Substance Properties, sheds light on this important issue.

Closing Thoughts

The experiences of these researchers highlight the diverse and meaningful ways women contribute to science at KWR. Their work is shaping a better future, from improving water quality to enhancing collaboration, advancing ethical frameworks, developing adaptive infrastructure, and promoting sustainable risk assessment. On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we celebrate their passion, dedication, and the impact they make every day.