WERF Has $500,000 for New Water Quality Research
The Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) is seeking pre-proposals for its 2009 Unsolicited Research Program. WERF will offer up to $500,000 (in total) for new or ongoing research projects that preserve our water resources and transform how wastewater and stormwater facilities protect public health.
The organization welcomes pre-proposals for research in any relevant wastewater, stormwater, or water quality area. Research addressing climate change, decentralized systems, water reuse, trace organics, biosolids, and security and disaster response also is encouraged. Pre-proposals are due in WERF’s offices by 5 p.m. EDT on July 8.
The Unsolicited Research Program is a highly competitive process. WERF allocates funds so that research benefits its subscribers to the maximum extent. Prior research funded under the program includes:
- anaerobic membrane bioreactors for sustainable wastewater treatment,
- nanoparticles to reduce odor and improve dewaterability of biosolids,
- methane emissions from wastewater treatment and collection systems,
- nitrogen gas emissions from wastewater treatment facilities,
- indicators for pathogens in sewage sludge,
- nitrifying microbial fuel cells for wastewater treatment,
- e-beam technology to disinfect and stabilize biosolids.
“The Unsolicited Research Program opens the door wide to innovative research ideas that might not be covered under WERF's current research efforts," said John B. Barber, Ph.D., of Eastman Chemical Company. "It's a real win-win for WERF subscribers and researchers alike.” Barber is vice-chair of the research foundation’s Research Council and committee chair for the 2009 Unsolicited Research Program.
The call for pre-proposals and complete instructions are available online at www.werf.org/funding. Contact Amit Pramanik, Ph.D., senior program director, at 703.684.2470, ext. 7228 or send e-mail to apramanik@werf.org for additional information.