Cranfield Water Science Institute
Cranfield Water Science Institute is recognised internationally for its research, education, training and consultancy. The management of the hydrological cycle from source to tap is an environmental priority for both affluent and developing nations. Cranfield offers internationally leading expertise on water and sanitation, water policy and governance, modeling, water and wastewater technology and risk management for the water sector. Most of our research is applied and industry focussed, helping to solve real problems for a diverse range of companies, government agencies and NGOs, both in the UK and overseas. We have a large community of post-doctoral staff and researchers, making it the UK’s largest water-focused postgraduate group. The high quality of our research was reflected in the latest Research Assessment Exercise, explaining why we are one of the UK’s top five research intensive universities. Our funding comes from the Research Councils, government agencies, consultancies, charities, the European Commission and industry, notably the water utilities.Our research, consultancy and training activities are underpinned by world class facilities, including a pilot-plant hall at the University’s own sewage treatment works, state-of-the-art soil and water laboratories with extensive advanced analytical services, a grey water treatment pilot area, a managed borehole drilling site and soil and irrigation testing facilities.
Water Science represents the University as a founder member of Water & Sanitation for the Urban Poor (WSUP), working in Asia and Africa. We also provide the registered office and the Honorary Secretary for UKIA, the UK Irrigation Association and work closely with the River Restoration Centre, a national information and advisory centre on all aspects of river restoration and enhancement, and sustainable river management. In 2005 we initiated Water Innovate as a spin-out company.
The Cranfield Water Science Institute attracts home and international students and post-doctoral researchers to participate in our courses and research programmes. We aim to provide an environment that is intellectually challenging, where research excellence is encouraged, and where people and ideas can flourish. We are also proud to lead STREAM: The Industrial Doctoral Centre (IDC) for the water sector, where we coordinate a consortium of five collaborating universities. The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) awarded £6.5 million of funding which to date has been matched by £2million from the UK Water Sector.
We are regularly joined by research and teaching staff from other institutions. Our conferences are recognised as major events for water sector professionals. Attendance of our short courses often counts towards continuing professional development (CPD). Professional bodies such as the Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) recognise our courses. Water Science students go on to successful careers in the sector; our alumni are an important network in their own right.
If you would like to know more about our water activities at Cranfield, whether it be in relation to studying for one of our postgraduate degrees or to discuss how we might be able to work with you within a research, consultancy or training capacity, then please contact one of the academic staff or Professor Elise Cartmell, Head of Cranfield Water Science Institute.
