UKWIR announce... NEW research strategy

Published On 15/02/2024

We are proud to announce the direction of our research projects from now to 2050.

This refreshed strategy sets out key focus areas for the future - our seven themes, the outcomes we are aiming for by 2030, and how we aim to deliver this work.

It identifies the research we support and how we use this to make useful, implementable actions in the water sector.

Our outcomes by 2030:

• We are a trusted body for UK & Ireland water research, focused on positive social and environmental impacts.
• We support improved understanding and communication of the value of water and key current and future challenges of the sector, customers and communities.
• We support the development of new knowledge, research on innovation, guidance and solutions focused on positive social and environmental impacts.
• We are engaged and open to all members of the community in creating positive change.
• We support researchers of the future to develop the skills they need.

Our defining principles are independence, transparency & integrity, collaboration and excellence.

Our research themes:

We have identified seven mission-based themes which align with the UK 2050 Water Innovation strategy. These aim to be the focus of our future research and provide the greatest value to society and the environment.

1. Providing the services society needs, expects and values
2. Providing clean water for all
3. Protecting and enhancing natural systems
4. Resilient infrastructure systems
5. Achieving net zero carbon
6. Whole life approach to responsible consumption
7. Diverse, future-ready people and partnerships

Each research theme has a mission and aims, aligned with UKWIR Big Questions and UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Our research strategy reflects global trends and builds on industry challenges identified through the UKWIR Big Questions and extensive stakeholder engagement.

UKWIR fuels water sector change through research - delivering evidence-based solutions to tackle industry challenges, ranging from early-stage ideas to practical tools. For example, our research translates into practical tools like the Carbon Accounting Workbook, which standardises emissions reporting for members.

Trustworthy research matters, which is why we follow the Concordat, a national framework for ethical and reliable research practices.

We are proud of the impact we have had so far and look forward to driving positive change through research. We are keen to collaborate with you to deliver research to help address the sector’s long-term challenges.

Connect with UKWIR and help drive the water research agenda mail@ukwir.org.uk