From uncertainty to recognition: My journey at the IWA Micropol & Ecohazard Conference 2026

by Keerthi Narayanappa Saraswathi 

Not only was attending the IWA Micropol & Ecohazard Conference 2026 a great opportunity to present my research, but it was also a journey of learning, connection, and personal growth that reinforced my confidence as an early-career researcher. I had meaningful conversations with experts and received international recognition for my work. This experience reminded me why being part of the global water community is so valuable.

The IWA network provides a unique platform where academics, industry professionals, and policymakers come together to exchange ideas, share challenges, and learn from one another. It creates a supportive environment where research is not only presented but strengthened through constructive feedback and collaboration. Being part of this community has given me the confidence to refine my work and pursue publication with greater assurance.

My conference experience began even before the technical sessions. During the Young Professionals Workshop on 31 May 2026, an icebreaker bingo activity quickly brought participants together and made networking feel natural. Throughout the day, I listened to inspiring discussions about building a career in the water sector, where speakers highlighted the importance of communication, curiosity, and patience alongside technical expertise.

One session, ‘Turn your research into impact: Publish with purpose’, particularly resonated with me. It provided a safe and encouraging space to discuss the challenges of publishing research. Hearing experienced researchers speak openly about journal rejections and the importance of feedback was reassuring. I left the session with a new appreciation for storytelling in scientific writing and the value of viewing research through interdisciplinary perspectives.

The main conference, held from 1–3 June 2026, exposed me to cutting-edge research on emerging contaminants in wastewater and drinking water treatment. Listening to experts share both their scientific findings and the practical challenges they encountered gave me fresh perspectives on my own research. I was also proud to present my work, ‘Assessing influence of hydraulic retention time on benzotriazole biodegradation in a nitrifying packed-bed biofilm reactor’, and discuss it with researchers from around the world. The questions, feedback, and conversations that followed were invaluable and gave me new ideas for future work.

Beyond the conference sessions, the post-conference technical tour offered a different kind of learning experience. Visiting Southbrook Vineyards and Niagara Falls highlighted how sustainability extends beyond water treatment technologies. Seeing how the winery integrates environmentally responsible practices throughout its operations reinforced the importance of working in harmony with natural ecosystems and recognising the interconnectedness of our environment.

My motivation for attending the conference stemmed from its close alignment with my doctoral research. Encouraged by my research supervisor, I recognised this event as one of the leading international forums for advancing knowledge on emerging contaminants and influencing future research and regulatory directions. It was an opportunity I did not want to miss.

However, attending an international conference was not without its challenges. The cost of travel and the uncertainty surrounding visa approval initially made participation seem unlikely. After my oral presentation was accepted, I applied for an international travel support grant through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), hoping everything would fall into place.

That hope became reality. Alongside the ANRF travel support, I was honoured to receive the IWA Micropol & Ecohazard Conference Student Travel Award in recognition of our research as commendable work from a developing nation. Receiving the award from the Chair of the Specialist Group, Professor Jianyong Hu, during the opening ceremony was one of the proudest moments of my academic journey. 

Looking back, the conference gave me far more than the opportunity to present my work. It strengthened my confidence, expanded my professional network, and introduced me to researchers and practitioners from around the world who share a common passion for advancing water science. As I move towards completing my doctoral studies, I am grateful for the encouragement, recognition, and inspiration I gained through this experience. I hope the connections and lessons from the conference will continue to shape my career and future collaborations for years to come.

Keerthi Narayanappa Saraswathi 
Doctoral researcher, Centre for Sustainable Technologies, 
Indian Institute of Science
keerthin@iisc.ac.in | https://www.suspaani-lab.com |
linkedin.com/in/n-s-keerthi