News not identified elsewhere: speaking at conferences, presenting poster prizes, etc
An episode of the BBC’s Panorama programme aired on 1 Dec 2025 with the title The Truth about Forever Chemicals.  While EBNet’s PFAS WG and the EBIC Hub obviously take this issue very seriously indeed, we are not sure some of the apparent messages here were very helpful. The programme …
The next phase of the UK–Ukraine Horizon Europe collaboration initiative is now open. Following a nationwide call, Ukrainian universities have submitted project ideas designed to foster academic cooperation, strengthen research partnerships, and stimulate innovation exchange with UK higher education institutions. These ideas are a milestone in joint efforts to build …
Submission deadline: 15 Jan 2026 The journal Environments has announced a special issue on Wastewater-Based Epidemiology Assessment and Surveillance (see here for details). Topics include: Pathogen surveillance (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, emerging viruses, and antimicrobial resistance genes); Community exposure assessment for illicit drugs, pharmaceuticals, and environmental toxins; Technological innovations in sample collection, high-throughput sequencing, …
Continuing a theme from a recent post on Microbial ecology and drinking water biofiltration, two papers below are well worth a look. They are on linked topics and are published in conference proceedings, with full papers on the way: so a thought-provoking taster for what is to come. Prof Cindy …
Dates: 11 and 17 Dec 2025, online On 11 Dec 2025 an online European Commission Info Day will present the topics in the Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area (WIDERA) Work Programme 2026-2027. Call types will include both Coordination & Support and Research & Innovation actions. On 17 …
Deadline: 26 Aug 2026 Biofilm technologies are evolving from classical wastewater treatment tools into platform processes for resource recovery, waste valorisation, and circular bioeconomy applications. Once viewed as passive systems, biofilms are now being designed to recover nutrients, extracellular polymeric substances (EPS)-derived biopolymers, and other valuable resources from complex effluents. …
Deadline for entries: 20 Feb 2026 The next round of the annual Dance Your PhD competition is open for entries.  This is a fabulous chance for current (and former?) PhD researchers to think about your work in a completely different way – and if you take part, to disseminate your …
There have been numerous recent surveys, reports and editorials on the challenges facing new (bio)technologies for a more sustainable economy: some focusing on training and education to address the shortage of skilled and qualified people, others on facilities and funding for scale-up and implementation. But the prize for one of …
Abstract deadline: 30 Nov 2025 The International Conference on Sewer Processes and Networks (SPN) is organised every 3 years by the IWA Sewer Systems and Processes Working Group under the Joint IAHR/IWA specialist group on Urban Drainage. The next SPN conference takes place from 20-22 May 2025 in Trondheim, Norway …
A recent study in Water Research examining microbiomes in water filtration is central to the theme of our Water Biofilms WG, and to EBNet’s ongoing interest in complex microbial ecosystems that prevent or remediate pollution and protect public health. Prof Cindy Smith, a key figure in the University of Glasgow …
A BBC News item reports that seven UK water companies have been issued with enforcement notices requiring them to take action on potentially harmful concentrations of PFAS ‘Forever chemicals’ in water supplies to an estimated 6 million people. The cases were identified through analysis of Freedom of Information requests to …
The National Biofilm Innovation Centre (NBIC) is holding this year’s Biofilm Week from 18-24 Nov 2025, to coincide with World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW), and highlight the relationship between Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and biofilms. BiofilmWeek is a great opportunity to share biofilm research or technology with the world through images, …
Closing date: 20 Jan 2026 16:00 UK The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is inviting applications for funding to purchase mid-range equipment for research in areas across its scientific remit through ALERT 2025. The funding is intended to provide: equipment that will be widely used and underpins capability …
A new report from BB-REG-NET examines the breakdown of biodegradable plastics in the environment. Based on case studies in composting, agriculture and forestry, it concludes that certified biodegradable plastics break down at similar rates to their rate of entry into environment, preventing long-term accumulation. Scenarios considered include direct placement of …
The UK’s huge problem with waste crime – the illegal and dangerous disposal of waste materials – is finally attracting some attention: see BBC News, other media and responses from bodies such as CIWM, Environment Agency etc. A short report from the House of Lords’ Environment and Climate Change Committee …
