The EPSRC Off-Grid Water Technologies Plenary Meeting, held at the University of Glasgow on 18 May 2026, brought together researchers, industry partners and policy stakeholders to share progress and discuss challenges in delivering sustainable off-grid water solutions.

The event was opened by Professor Bill Sloan (University of Glasgow). Presentations covered key themes including water challenges in rural and island communities (Dr Jennifer Roberts), policy and human rights perspectives (Professor Jill Robbie, Professor Jaime Amezaga and Dr Mohsen Nagheeby), and technical innovations such as biofiltration (Professor Cindy Smith and colleagues), antifouling membranes (Dr Andrea Correia Semiao), and water quality sensors (Professor Alasdair Clark and team).

The meeting concluded with a collaborative session on decentralised wastewater treatment and resource recovery, highlighting opportunities to enhance sustainability and real-world impact.

The event provided a valuable platform for interdisciplinary discussion and engagement with stakeholders including Scottish Water, SEPA, the Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland, and community organisations from across rural and island regions. These discussions reinforced the importance of collaborative approaches to ensuring the scalability and real-world impact of off-grid water technologies.