Call for Expressions of Interest | Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE)

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has long been used to help inform broader infectious disease surveillance and mitigation efforts, such as the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. More recently, global projects have been developed to explore using sewage for continuous monitoring of chemicals and pathogens of emerging concern, drugs, and anti-microbial resistance (AMR).

 

This year, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, WaterRA launched the ColoSSoS project, utilising WBE surveillance to track and monitor the presence and persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in sewage networks. Developed and implemented within four weeks of COVID-19 being classed as a global pandemic by The World Health Organisation (WHO), ColoSSoS represents an effort of over 50 organisations across water utilities, health departments, research laboratories, universities, private consultancies and global partners, all brought together by WaterRA.

 

The impact of ColoSSoS has been immediate and is testament to the 'better-together' approach and unique position in the water sector that WaterRA holds as a hub where industry needs are met by research 'know-how'.

 

For WBE, ColoSSoS has proven to be just the beginning. We are now inviting all of our research members to submit EOIs focussed on leading-edge and innovative ideas to further the progress of WBE. 

Expressions of Interest

EOIs can be focussed on high-level ideas and could relate to one or more of the main research areas current identified by Industry: SAMPLING, EPIDEMIOLOGY and ANALYSIS. 

 

However, innovative, novel and 'blue-sky' research ideas outside of these areas are highly encouraged as this will ensure that research can play a significant role in shaping the future of WBE.

 

All EOIs will be reviewed, and proponents invited to related Problem Opportunity Definition (POD) workshops in 2021.

POD workshops run by WaterRA will facilitate discussions between thought-leaders and industry, bringing like-minded individuals together to investigate, refine and develop research needs in these areas collaboratively.