Water, Wastewater, everywhere… Every Drop Counts! ~ 180th Lecture Series

Join us at the Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester, as we mark 180 years since the foundation of the Royal Agricultural College, the very first agricultural college in the English speaking world.

We are holding a series of events throughout the year - including lectures, debates, and open days - so do follow us to make sure you stay up to date on our events and celebrations.

Water, Wastewater, everywhere… Every Drop Counts!

The final lecture in our180th anniversary lecture series will take place on Wednesday 12 November 2025 from 18.00 to 20.00 (Doors open at 18.00 with the lecture starting at 18.30) in the Boutflour Hall, at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU).

The lecture, entitled, Water, Wastewater, everywhere… Every Drop Counts!, will be delivered by Professor Kiran Tota-Maharaj, RAU Professor of Water Resources Management and Infrastructure, and Andrew Blackhall, Managing Director of the Water Research Centre (WRc).

Did you know that every drop of water connects to our energy industries and food sectors?

This lecture will explore Microbial Electrosynthesis (MES) as a game-changer and revolutionary technology. Imagine microbes and electricity transforming wastewater into valuable resources, addressing the challenges of the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus.

Join us to uncover how these fascinating technologies clean water, generate energy, and can even produce food, maximising the potential of our precious water resources.

Professor Kiran Tota-Maharaj is a distinguished engineer, academic, and environmental leader whose career is dedicated to advancing sustainable water resources management.

Through his role at the RAU, and as Technical Director for Water, Wastewater, and Environmental Engineering at the WRc, Professor Tota-Maharaj bridges industry and academia through collaborative research, practice, and education.

His expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of critical water management areas, including innovative solutions for sustainable water resource management, renewable energy systems, and environmental engineering within a circular economy framework.

He is a leading expert in cutting-edge research areas such as zero discharge strategies, advanced desalination technologies, optimised water reuse systems, and the development of resilient water/wastewater infrastructure, and his work directly addresses pressing global challenges related to water scarcity and pollution.

Andy Blackhall is an environmental scientist with a background in automotive engineering and has more than 10 years’ experience working in management roles within the water and environment sector.

Having worked in two of the larger UK water utilities and a number of environmental consultancies, Andy has contributed to UK research and best practice on a number of topics and has developed an extensive knowledge of water operations, planning and strategy with experience and perspectives in international utilities.

He started working on Carbon and Water Loss in 2008 and holds an interest in where water embodied carbon might contribute to wider environmental solutions.

Come along to learn all about innovative solutions for sustainable water resource management.

Location: RAU Cirencester, GL7 6JS

Date: 12 November 2025

Time: 18.00 to 20.00 (Doors open at 18.00 with the lecture starting at 18.30)

Tickets and parking are free.