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Peer Review: compliments on the scientific quality of KWR research

High appreciation for the Exploratory Research and horizon scanning within the Waterwijs program

A prominent Peer Review Committee recently evaluated the KWR Water Research Institute for 2018-2022. The committee assessed the scientific quality of KWR and the extent to which its interdisciplinary research anticipates societal challenges and contributes to solutions for them.

The committee, chaired by prof. dr. Juliane Hollender van Eawag (Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology), praised the scientific quality and output of KWR. The advanced laboratory and pilot facilities, collaboration with stakeholders, and involvement in international projects were also highly commended. The unique nature of KWR’s drinking water research was highlighted.

Exploratory Research and Horizon Scanning

The committee particularly appreciated the Exploratory Research and the horizon-scanning research within the Waterwijs program. The application of the valorisation cycle for implementing research results was also seen as highly valuable. Furthermore, the committee recognised KWR’s strong ties with universities and the importance of scientific publications.

Valorisation Research

The committee’s recommendations focused on strengthening the supervision of PhD candidates, strategically forming scientific collaborations, enhancing internal cooperation at KWR, and further developing the IT research infrastructure. They also emphasised the importance of publishing in scientific journals and valorising research.

Recommendations

The committee also highlighted some areas of attention, such as workload, time for scientific activities like conferences, and intercultural challenges within a diverse working environment. KWR’s management already had these points in mind and has taken appropriate measures. For instance, in 2023, KWR launched a Diversity and Inclusion working group and consistently focuses on the position of young professionals, partly through forming an Early Career group.

Positive Evaluation

With this positive evaluation, KWR is on course for the following peer review, covering 2023-2027. The Chief Science Officers and the Innovation and Valorisation Team of KWR will closely monitor the progress of the recommendations.

 

Peer review committee

  • Prof. dr. Juliane Hollender (voorzitter) – Eawag (CH) – chemical water quality
  • Prof. dr. John Grin – UVA (NL) – social-transition science, circularity
  • Dr. Marijke Huysmans – KU Leuven (BE) – water systems, geohydrology
  • Prof.dr.ir. Merle de Kreuk – TU-Delft (NL) – water technology
  • Gabriel Anzaldi Varas MSc. – EURECAT (ES) – hydro informatics
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