Latest UKWIR projects available for expression of interest

Expressions of interest (EoI) are being sought by leading research organisation UKWIR for expert partners ready to carry out targeted research projects to tackle critical water industry problems. 

UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR) is an independent not-for-profit organisation that facilitates, manages and delivers a strategic programme of research projects for water companies in the UK and Ireland.  

UKWIR’s latest research opportunities span a broad spectrum, including; enhancing climate resilience and infrastructure durability, leakage reduction and network efficiency and nature-based solutions (NbS). 

Mike Rose, chief executive of UKWIR said, “These research projects are specifically tailored to support the key strategic priorities of the water sector.  

“Whether here in the UK & Ireland, or globally, no organisation can solve the systemic issues facing the sector alone. Through our research ecosystem, UKWIR brings water companies together with leading academic institutions, supply chain partners, regulators and environmental organisations, to turn research into impartial, rigorous and scalable solutions. We are always keen to collaborate with experts both from within and outside the water sector, and I strongly urge any organisation wanting to deliver research that has real-world impact to get in touch.” 

Critically, UKWIR is moving to a phased research programme, releasing projects in three tranches across 2026 and early 2027. This staggered timeline gives the water sector and supply chain more flexible opportunities to contribute their expertise throughout the year. 

Expressions of Interest (EoIs) are now open for five new UKWIR research projects: 

• Leakage: Climate-related bursts: impacts, research needs and mitigations 

• Wastewater: Accommodating growth at sites at the treatment limit of technology 

• Drinking water: Orthophosphate dosing in lead-free water networks: risks and decision support 

• Water resources: Water for data and emerging technologies 

• Wastewater: River restoration for wastewater nutrient schemes: decision framework. 

Further EoI opportunities will follow later in the year, covering a broad range of priorities across UKWIR’s research programme. Upcoming research areas include: 

• Leakage: Including leak repair times, leakage benchmarking and approaches to efficient repair 

• Wastewater: Including climate resilience, micropollutants and the biodegradation of organic pesticides 

• Asset Management: Including nature-based solutions and the use of data to improve drinking water production 

• Circular Economy: Including opportunities to build more climate-resilient wastewater systems. 

For more information about each project, or to submit an Expression of Interest for a specific project, visit>https://ukwir.org/ukwir-projects-open-to-expressions-of-interest.