The University of Vigo's School of Industrial Engineering is hosting the 5th European School on Environmental Applications of Advanced Oxidation Processes (5th EPS-AOPs) from today until Friday. This international scientific gathering features 80 specialists focusing on advanced oxidation processes for water decontamination.
Over the three-day event, experts, researchers, PhD students, and industry representatives will discuss the latest advancements in technologies aimed at achieving cleaner water and a more sustainable future. The event is supported by the International School on Environmental Applications of Advanced Oxidation Processes (IPS-AOP), a leading scientific network comprising researchers from 25 countries.
The local organisation is led by Ángeles Sanromán and Marta Pazos, researchers at Cintecx, the Centre for Research in Industrial Technologies and Processes at the University of Vigo. They are supported by an international committee including Luigi Rizzo, IPS-AOP coordinator; Sixto Malato, regional coordinator for Europe; and Camila Amorim, regional coordinator for Latin America.
The symposium commenced with an opening ceremony featuring Manuel Martínez, Vice-Rector for Research at the University of Vigo; David Patiño, Director of Cintecx; José Fariña, Director of the School of Industrial Engineering; and the two organisers. All participants emphasised the significance of such events, which bring together experienced researchers and recognised experts alongside young professionals beginning their research careers.
“Advanced oxidation processes sit at the intersection of fundamental chemistry and engineering, where a laboratory result can translate into clean water for a community,”
Both the Vice-Rector and David Patiño specifically addressed PhD students, highlighting the importance of engaging in such events to foster networking and collaboration for future work opportunities.
The primary objective of this event, as detailed by the two professors from the University of Vigo responsible for its organisation, is to promote the exchange of scientific and technological knowledge in the field of advanced oxidation processes (AOP) applied to water decontamination and environmental protection. The latest advancements in this area will be presented, fostering scientific debate among internationally renowned researchers and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration among universities, research centres, and the industrial sector.
The programme includes keynote lectures by leading specialists, scientific communications, poster sessions for emerging researchers, roundtable discussions, and debate activities aimed at identifying future challenges in environmental decontamination.
Following the opening ceremony, there was a brief introduction to the IPS-AOP presented by Luigi Rizzo and Sixto Malato. Today's sessions focus on the fundamentals of advanced oxidation processes (AOP), while tomorrow's will concentrate on their applications and complementary skills.
A unique aspect of this meeting is the connection between scientific research and industrial reality, as attendees will visit Aqualia's wastewater treatment facilities and drinking water plant on Friday, where they can witness real-world applications of these technologies. The event will conclude with a roundtable discussion featuring present members of the scientific committee to analyse the past and future of the IPS-AOP, along with the presentation of awards for the best poster and best short presentation on Friday afternoon.
