#Japan #Kyoto #Environmental Research #WET2026 #Watering Award

International Conference on Water and Environment Technology

The international conference WET2026 (Water and Environment Technology Conference 2026) was sponsored by Suing Co., Ltd., aiming to promote innovative research in the field of water environmental studies. Held on July 11-12, 2026, at Doshisha University's Shinmachi Campus in Kyoto, Japan, this event attracted over 306 participants from 29 countries to discuss groundbreaking approaches to tackling water-related challenges.

Objectives of the WET2026 Conference

WET is organized annually by the Japan Society on Water Environment, serving as a significant platform for researchers, engineers, and students to present their latest findings on water and environmental technologies. Since 2012, Suing has been a proud sponsor of WET, aligning its mission with addressing water management challenges and nurturing future talents in environmental research.

This year's focus was to advance societal capabilities through the development of secure and sustainable drinking water infrastructure. The conference's agenda included discussions on decarbonization and circular economy initiatives, aligned with the company's business plan for the year 2026.

A Look Back at the Conference

Attendees of WET2026 engaged in enlightening exchanges on topics ranging from the impact of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) on water environments to innovative solutions for antimicrobial resistance. The event also highlighted the significance of community-based approaches to environmental concerns.

The opening ceremony featured a keynote speech from Kazuma Shimamura, the Director of Suing's Fundamental Technology Research Center. He emphasized the importance of nurturing young researchers and voiced hope for further advancements in the water environment sector. During the two-day conference, approximately 200 presentations, including both oral and poster formats, fueled vibrant discussions on these pressing themes.

The Watering Award

As part of WET2026, the Watering Award, presented in two categories - "Excellent Paper Award" and "Excellent Presentation Award" - acknowledged excellence in academic contributions to the field. The Excellent Paper Award included two papers published in the Journal of Water and Environment Technology. The Excellent Presentation Award recognized 24 outstanding presentations at the conference.

The award winners exemplified the caliber of research emerging in this critical arena. Notable recipients of the Excellent Paper Award included:

• - Shohei Otomo et al. for their research on the spatial distribution of atmospheric N₂O around a full-scale carousel reactor.
• - Tiamenla Lanuyanger et al. for addressing the issue of antibiotic resistance in urban wastewater across two Japanese cities.

Additionally, the Excellent Presentation Award brought attention to several innovative approaches, such as:

• - Applications of magnetic nanoparticles for antimicrobial resistance surveillance in wastewater from Vietnam.
• - Optimizing microbial fuel cells for cost-effective treatment of palm oil mill effluent.

These contributions highlight crucial discussions surrounding modern environmental challenges, such as minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing the microplastic pollution crisis.

Closing Thoughts

The WET2026 conference was not just a gathering of scholarly minds—it was a call to action for the global community to prioritize sustainable development goals tied to water management. As Suing continues to support these initiatives, it reinforces its commitment to building a future where water is not just a resource but a lifeline for generations to come.

Through conferences like WET2026, we see a promising horizon for technology, innovation, and collaborative efforts in promoting sustainable water environments both locally and worldwide.

About Suing Co., Ltd.

Suing Co., Ltd. is dedicated to providing comprehensive solutions in water treatment—from facility design and construction to operation and maintenance. With a mission to contribute to society through water, Suing continues to emphasize the importance of securing access to clean and safe water and enhancing community welfare through sustainable practices. As a part of the Infronia Group since 2026, Suing amplifies its impact through collaborative efforts to support essential infrastructure development.