Harnessing innovation to tackle water challenges

Durham University researchers have worked with global, national and local companies to tackle water-related challenges as part of a major innovation festival. The University was headline sponsor at this year's Northumbrian Water Group's (NWG) Innovation Festival , which brought together stakeholders from national and global companies, regional businesses and universities to find ways to tackle societal and environmental challenges. Participation in this year's Innovation Festival follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in , formalising an ongoing partnership between Durham University and Northumbrian Water. Water Hub workshop The Innovation Festival proactively addressed water-related challenges through 13 workshops across five days, including one led by Durham University's Water Hub project. The three day workshop was entitled '2019 - the year of Green Action' , and explored how the Water Hub and businesses can work together to protect the North East of England's natural environment and promote sustainable growth. The Water Hub project is a partnership between the University, the Environment Agency, Northumbrian Water and Durham County Council and is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The ERDF awards funding at a regional level with priorities including support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and research and innovation.