Strengthening science-policy bridges for water
Earlier this week, the Geneva Water Hub visited EAWAG, the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, for a day of collaboration and exchange. The meeting strengthened bridges between water science and policy, paving the way for future joint research, innovation, and global water cooperation.
As two Swiss-based institutions dedicated to water, albeit from different perspectives, this encounter was an invaluable opportunity to build new alliances and reinforce Swiss expertise and innovation in water research and action.
The morning opened with a warm welcome from Eawag’s Director, Prof. Martin Ackermann, followed by an in-depth presentation from the Geneva Water Hub team on the Hub’s mission and ongoing projects, from water diplomacy and the protection of water during armed conflict, to capacity development and governance innovation.
In the afternoon, Eawag researchers showcased the institute’s impressive breadth of scientific work, followed by interactive breakout discussions to identify concrete areas of collaboration, including:
- Water cooperation and competition across sectors and borders
- Urban and humanitarian WASH
- Climate change, hazards, and water security
- Water monitoring and technology for improved governance
The discussions confirmed how scientific research and policy practice can mutually reinforce one another to tackle complex water challenges. The Geneva Water Hub team was particularly inspired by Eawag’s openness to explore collaborative research, joint proposals, and coordinated agendas for the years ahead.
The Hub looks forward to deepening this partnership between Geneva and Dübendorf, connecting hard science with water diplomacy to advance peace and cooperation through water globally.
