The first in-person project meeting took place in Oslo, Norway between 7-8 June 2024. The main goal was to debate on how to make significant progress in enhancing water-related education and research across African and Norwegian universities. Key activities included the discussion of the need for the comprehensive review of curricula at nine partner universities to align with societal needs, improve quality, and reduce redundancies. The project has also focused on strengthening university-industry collaboration, fostering innovation through the Triple Helix model, and addressing barriers to effective partnerships. Quality assurance practices were evaluated to align with international standards, and a pool of supervisors and mentors it to be established to support students and early-career academics. Additionally, small research grants were introduced to promote joint projects, with a focus on supporting women and marginalized groups. These initiatives are helping to co-develop sustainable, high-quality water education and research systems.

The Summer School 2022 in Norway, hosted by NMBU, featured two courses: Water & Wastewater Treatment (THT311) and Water Management in Cold Climate (THT313). The first course focused on water resources management and the interactions between water, energy, and food, while the second covered the governance and management of water services in urban settings, addressing sustainability challenges. The program attracted 43 students from diverse countries, including participants from Water ESSENCE universities from Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, and Ghana.

The summer school, lasting three weeks, combined intensive full-time courses with additional activities, like International Dinner, excursion in Oslofjord or visit in SNØ, a spectacular indoor arena for snow experiences. Summer school aimed at fostering social interaction and cultural awareness, allowing students to deepen their knowledge and explore new areas within water and environmental studies.

The Kigali meeting focused on advancing collaboration between universities, industry, and government through the Triple Helix model, with an emphasis on designing stakeholder surveys for external collaboration and inclusiveness in higher education institutions (HEIs). Participants explored how to drive the Triple Helix concept in HEIs and used GroupMap for brainstorming and prioritizing impactful items. Inclusiveness in HEIs was discussed in terms of diversity in age, gender, race, and profession, with a focus on ensuring equal participation and fair treatment for all.

Other key discussions included the design of training programs for socially engaged HEIs, which should address community needs and engage local industries. Collaboration among partners was highlighted, with presentations from international partners showcasing successful student exchanges and curriculum development projects. The consortium also discussed designing Water Nexus courses, integrating indigenous knowledge, and addressing topics like water ethics and corruption. The meeting concluded with plans for joint research activities, dissemination strategies, and the establishment of databases for supervisors and students to enhance collaboration and communication across partner institutions.

The Water ESSENCE team organized a workshop at the IWA Water and Development Congress & Exhibition (Rwanda, Kigali, December 2023). The session focused on the role of universities in accelerating progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and addressing challenges in the current educational system. Led by Professor Harsha Ratnaweera from NMBU, the workshop aimed to engage academics and policymakers in discussions on sustainable water use and management. The event featured presentations and a panel discussion involving key project members, sparking active participation and dialogue from the audience. More information can be found here.

At the Water ESSENCE meeting in Munich, several key project tasks and deadlines were outlined. Further developments include the update of the mentors’ pool and the creation of a hydropolitics curriculum led by University of Machakos. Joint research efforts and funding utilization plans were discussed. Analysis of partners’ assets and review of good practices is underway, which is led by University of Makerere.  

The next event following project meeting in Munich was another Summer School held at NMBU. This program also focused on water resources and sustainable development, continuing the momentum of interdisciplinary learning within the Water ESSENCE network. The 2024 Summer School attracted students from all Water ESSENCE partner institutions.

Like the previous edition, this Summer School provided intensive, full-time courses alongside social and cultural activities, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among participants from diverse backgrounds. The students had the valuable opportunity to network with peers from Brazil, China, Japan, and North America, enhancing the global perspective and fostering international collaboration. The program aimed to further students’ expertise in key areas of water management and sustainable practices.