The SWIG Early Career Researcher Poster Competition took to the stage at WWEM 2024 last week, showcasing some of the most exciting emerging talents in water sensor innovation.
Announced back in April, the competition invited early-career researchers to share their pioneering advancements in sensor technology, all aimed at revolutionising the water industry.
A total of 13 entries were submitted, each offering innovative approaches to the development and use of water sensors in various settings. The posters drew considerable attention from industry professionals and sparked lively discussions among attendees throughout the WWEM 2024 exhibition.
After careful deliberation by the SWIG board of directors, three outstanding finalists emerged:
- Jah Shamas, University of Sheffield – Fibre-Optic Sensing for Monitoring Partially-Filled Pipe Flows.
- Michaela Hogan, Aquamonitrix – Development of Total Inorganic Nitrogen Analyser: Facilitating New Process Control Opportunities for N2O Mitigation and Energy Saving in Wastewater Treatment.
- Yicheng Yu, University of Sheffield – Acoustic Sensing for Pipe Inspection Robots.
All three finalists delivered engaging presentations during the event, impressing both the audience and the panel of SWIG judges. Their enthusiasm and expertise created a real buzz in the room as they confidently fielded questions and showcased their research.
The competition wrapped up at the gala dinner, where the winners were announced. Michaela Hogan took home the top prize of £1,200 for her innovative work, while Jah Shamas secured £500 for second place, and Yicheng Yu earned £200 for third. Michaela’s victory was a fitting reward for her impressive research, though all three finalists received high praise for their contributions.
The SWIG Early Career Researcher Poster Competition provided a fantastic platform for groundbreaking research and allowed early-career innovators to connect with industry leaders. All 13 entries underscored the critical role of sensor technology in addressing future challenges in the water sector. The competition celebrated the next generation of water sensor innovators, showcasing the incredible opportunities awaiting future participants.
