Positive international evaluation of WATEC Aarhus University Centre for Water Technology
In 2017, Aarhus University established seven interdisciplinary centres addressing major societal challenges and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The centres were established to initiate and promote interdisciplinary research activities across the involved departments. WATEC was established to nurture interdisciplinary water-related research for the benefit of society as Aarhus University has many leading groups within water research.
Initially, the centres were funded for five years and it was decided to evaluate the centre performance after four years. The international evaluation of WATEC took place in the fall 2021 where a self-evaluation report was prepared, and the centre was visited by an international panel that produced an evaluation report.
Overall, WATEC received a very positive evaluation but it was highlighted that the centre needs more time to reach its full potential and harvest the fruits of the initiative. Below a couple of highlights from the panel evaluation report:
- WATEC does an important job in fostering new interdisciplinary activities through the annual meeting, projects grants, Early-Career Researchers Retreat and other networking activities.
- WATEC functions as a one-point contact for external partners.
- WATEC has generated external funds of 185 million DKK.
- 188 publications have been registered as affiliated with WATEC.
- There is an outspoken demand for water related educational activities from WATEC. The Advanced Water Cycle Management Course has been developed in close collaboration with industry and provides an important network between WATEC, students, industry, and utilities.
- The panel recommends extending the funding from the faculty to keep up centre activities.