Rice University’s new WaTER Institute, launched today, aims to address complex water related challenges.
The person in the photo is Pedro J. Alvarez, the director of the WaTER Institute at Rice University, captured by photographer Jeff Fitlow. 43 million Americans do not have access to city water, and 1 out of every 10 people worldwide do not have access to clean drinking water. Rice University’s newly established WaTER Institute, which was unveiled today, is dedicated to tackling complex water-related challenges. According to the institute’s director and George R. Brown Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Pedro J. Alvarez, “Clean water has the potential to save more lives than medical professionals.” The researchers at the institute will work on various tasks such as predicting and preventing diseases by observing wastewater, reducing energy usage in managing water in large municipal systems, anticipating water-related disasters, efficiently extracting valuable metals with minimal water consumption, and more. The institute will spearhead state-of-the-art, interdisciplinary research and technological advances in three main areas: public health, energy transitions, and resilient infrastructure. President Reginald DesRoches stated that Rice University has expanded its focus on research that will have a positive impact on society at both local and global levels through the Institute for Clean Water Technologies, Entrepreneurship and Research. As both the university president and a civil engineer, he is optimistic that Rice scientists will develop groundbreaking innovations that will improve lives and communities. Scientists will address seven significant water-related challenges. Ensuring the safety of water for an increasing population. The division of resources and interaction between people and their surroundings. Protection against disasters related to water.
Rice University’s new WaTER Institute, launched today, aims to address complex water related challenges.