Managing Water Microbiomes
11th Microbial Ecology and Water Engineering Conference
June 2-5, 2025
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
MANAGING WATER MICROBIOMES
Microbiological information is being generated faster than it can be translated into actionable knowledge. Systematic and quantitative applications of ecological theory and engineering design to advance microbiome engineering against a rapidly evolving methodological landscape is challenging. While this challenge is not unique to the water engineering field, the ecological, environmental, and economic context of the water sector sets our community apart. The thematic motivation of the MEWE 11 conference is to shine a light on the MEWE communities’ successes and challenges in the application of ecological theory and engineering design to manage microbiomes, including biofilms, in the water sector. The conference sub-themes will also place a spotlight on the importance of translational efforts that extend the impact of MEWE research on the water industry and public health.
Sub-themes
Microbial Ecology for Resource Recovery
Bioenergy and Microbial Communities
Microbial Ecosystems in Water Reuse Applications
Circular Water Economy
Ecology of Engineering Systems and Emerging Public Health Risks
Sensing Microbes to Engineering Ecosystems
Microbial Ecosystems from Source-to-Tap
Viromes in Engineered Systems
Eukaryotic Ecology
Microbial Ecology in Practice
Methods for Microbiome Characterization
Reproducible Methods
Important dates
Call for abstracts: Jun 3, 2024
Early registration: Dec 1, 2024
Abstract submission deadline: Dec 15, 2024
Abstract submission extended deadline: January 10, 2025
Abstract decisions: Feb 15, 2025
Standard registration: Mar 15, 2025
Late/Onsite Registration: May 15, 2025
About MEWE
The International Water Associations (IWA) Microbial Ecology and Water Engineering (MEWE) Specialist Group was founded in 1988 under the name Activated Sludge Population Dynamics (ASPD) and the inaugural ASPD meeting was held in Brighton, UK in July 1988 at the biennial conference of the IAWPRC. While the original mission of the group was to provide a platform for researchers to engage with microbial ecology in wastewater treatment systems, the group’s activities have gradually expanded to assess the ecology of microbial communities across the engineered water cycle. This recognition of expansion of the Specialist Group’s activities was consolidated through a formal name change from ASPD to MEWE in July 2009. The goal of the MEWE Specialist group and the MEWE conferences are to promote the rational and effective engineering of systems in the water cycle populated by open microbial communities using emerging technologies and concepts of microbial ecology. MEWE seeks to do this through research, dissemination, outreach and dialogue with practitioners all over the world. A central topic of interest to MEWE is to understand and control the relationship between microbial community composition and the function and performance of engineered water systems. MEWE also aims to foster greater collaboration with industry, in order to develop novel, technology-oriented microbe-driven solutions and provide the most benefit to the water sector in a quick and effective way. MEWE is also a strong supporter of the link between the IWA and the International Society of Microbial Ecology (ISME) via the Biocluster. Connect with the MEWE Specialist Group.
MEWE conference locations
Visit Atlanta
Atlanta, often referred to as the “Capital of the South,” is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends rich history with modern innovation. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is the busiest airport in the world and serves as the global hub for Delta Airlines and thus is globally connected. Known for its Southern hospitality, Atlanta offers a diverse cultural experience with its world-class museums, thriving arts scene, and renowned culinary delights. The city is home to iconic landmarks such as the Georgia Aquarium, the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, and the bustling BeltLine trail. In addition to the incredible opportunity to share, learn, and network with the MEWE community, Atlanta promises an unforgettable experience that caters to all interests. For a complete guide for what to do in Atlanta, click here.