Sep 21, 2025
Uniting Minds for a Sustainable Water Future at the 5th WRC
The Water Research Community (WRC) returned for its fifth edition on September 17, 2025, hosted by the KFUPM Institute for Knowledge Exchange (KIKX) at Dhahran Techno Valley (DTVC). The event was co-organized with the Saudi Water Authority (SWA), the Water Technologies Innovation Institute and Research Advancement (WTIIRA), and the Saudi Water Innovation Center. the event once again reaffirmed its role as a scientific platform that unites research efforts and fosters innovative solutions to address the Kingdom’s greatest challenges in the water sector.
This year’s gathering brought together over 200 participants, with more than 40 research projects and posters showcased, five speakers, and five panel discussions. KFUPM’s own leading research centers were also part of this event, including the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Membranes and Water Security, the Applied Research Center for Environment and Marine Studies, and the Applied Research Center for Metrology, Standards, and Testing.
The day opened with a welcoming ceremony and a short film celebrating the Water Research Community, followed by remarks from the Saudi Water Authority and Dr. Ali Al-Shaikhi, Vice President of Research and Innovation at KFUPM. In his opening words, Dr. Al-Shaikhi emphasized, “At KFUPM, water security is central to our Research Strategy. Our Interdisciplinary Research Center for Membranes and Water Security leads pioneering work in desalination, membrane technologies, and wastewater treatment, developing sustainable solutions to one of the Kingdom’s greatest challenges.”
From there, the program moved through a dynamic sequence of presentations and discussions. The Agency for Promising Research & Technologies outlined its ambitious agenda, while the Global Prize for Innovation in Water was introduced to inspire global breakthroughs. Attendees witnessed the launch of the second edition of the MiyahThon, followed by an in-depth presentation on the Membrane and Water Security Research Center at KFUPM. A panel discussion brought researchers and practitioners together under the theme “From Research to Reality – Transforming Water Research and Innovations into Tangible Results”, and the unveiling of a Water Transport Company Incubator & Accelerator marked another milestone toward strengthening industry ties. Formal agreements were signed to support future collaborations, while an exhibition tour offered participants the chance to experience the latest innovations in desalination and sustainable water solutions firsthand.
The afternoon was dedicated to interactive roundtable sessions that explored the future of water sustainability across five crucial themes: sustainability and advanced materials, renewable and clean energy, process innovation, circular economy, and innovation and entrepreneurship. These sessions encouraged brainstorming, exchange of knowledge, and the cross-pollination of ideas, leaving participants with fresh perspectives and opportunities for collaboration.
For many attendees, the true spirit of the Water Research Community lay in the connections formed. Dr. Ghadeer Albalawi, Assistant Professor and researcher from Tabuk University, expressed, “This is my third time participating in the Water Research Community, having also joined the first and second editions. I truly value this opportunity to meet academics who share my interest in water treatment. Through this platform, many ideas have emerged, and we’ve built strong connections that foster collaboration and innovation.”
Similarly, Salim Lateef, a lab engineer from KFUPM’s Applied Research Center for Environment and Marine Studies, reflected, “This platform is a great opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from each other. I’ve seen diverse projects here, some focused-on water treatment, others on modeling, water quality simulation, or even developing advanced microscopes. Bringing all these different approaches together makes this a powerful space for learning and innovation.”
By the time the closing ceremony concluded, it was clear that the Water Research Community had once again succeeded in its mission. Through the energy of its participants, the diversity of its research, and the depth of its collaborations, the fifth edition stood as a powerful reminder of the Kingdom’s determination to secure a sustainable water future for generations to come.
