The 4th SMART4ENV Winter School & Workshop successfully concluded after an inspiring week of knowledge-sharing, hands-on training, and expert discussions on smart environmental solutions (SES) to tackle climate change. Hosted at Marche Polytechnic University (UNIVPM) in Ancona, Italy, the event welcomed participants from diverse backgrounds, including Turkish students and professors, reinforcing international collaboration in sustainable water and wastewater management.
Day 1: Opening & Expert Insights
The Winter School kicked off with insightful contributions from key members of the WWEELAB group, including:
🔹 Prof. Francesco Fatone PhD
🔹 Prof. Anna Laura Eusebi PhD
🔹 Prof. Massimiliano Sgroi PhD
🔹 Eng. Alessia Foglia PhD
The first day introduced participants to cutting-edge research on water and wastewater management, IT solutions, and circulation models for coastal resilience. The sessions set the stage for in-depth discussions on the role of SES in addressing climate change.
Day 2: Hands-On Wastewater Field Work
Participants immersed themselves in practical laboratory sessions at UNIVPM, gaining hands-on experience with innovative wastewater treatment techniques.
🔬 Smart Water Lab – Degradation test of organic matter using advanced oxidation processes.
🔬 Sanitary Engineering Lab – Respirometric and biomethane potential tests, thermochemical treatments.
💡 Led by experts:
✔️ Dr. Alessia Foglia
✔️ Dr. Daniele Caterino
✔️ Dr. Federica Simonetti
✔️ Dr. Ali Hydar
✔️ Dr. Salman N.
These practical sessions provided a deeper understanding of modern wastewater treatment innovations and their application in environmental sustainability.
Day 3: Technical Visit to Jesi Wastewater Treatment Facilities
🚶♂️ Participants embarked on a field visit to Jesi’s Pilot Hall and Wastewater Treatment Plant, where they explored:
✔️ Pilot-scale innovations for enhanced wastewater treatment.
✔️ Nature-based solutions for sustainable water management.
🌍 Guided by:
🎙️ Eng. Alessia Foglia PhD
🎙️ Eng. Nicolò Ciuccoli PhD
🎙️ Vivaservizi Spa expert (Jesi Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager)
The visit provided a real-world perspective on the integration of nature-based and technological solutions in wastewater treatment.
Day 4: Climate Change, Coastal Impact & Digital Wastewater Solutions
🌊💧 The fourth day focused on climate change impact assessment, coastal resilience, and digital innovations in wastewater management.
🔍 Key sessions included:
📌 Coastal resilience strategies – Insights from the ADRIACLIM Project.
🎙️ Prof. Maurizio Brocchini PhD
📌 Coastal flooding & hydraulic risk assessment – CASCADE Project analysis.
🎙️ Eng. Lorenzo Melito PhD
📌 Smart wastewater management & reuse – Digital SES solutions for water treatment.
🎙️ Eng. Nicolò Ciuccoli PhD
📌 Modelling wastewater treatment plants – Hands-on training with BIOWIN & WEST software.
🎙️ Eng. Ali Hydar.
Final Thoughts & Closing
The SMART4ENV Winter School & Workshop successfully bridged research, innovation, and practice, equipping participants with the tools and knowledge to drive sustainable water management and climate adaptation.
A heartfelt thank you to all speakers, participants, and organizers for making this event a success! 🎓🌍
📢 Stay tuned for future SMART4ENV activities!
#SMART4ENV #ClimateChange #WaterManagement #Sustainability #Innovation
thank you
By
SMART4ENV Communcation Consultant
