Innovative approaches to water management: Research between Cologne and India

Innovative approaches to water management: Research between Cologne and India

On June 11, 2025, a new chapter in sustainable water management begins when researchers and students from the University of Cologne launch a DAAD-funded project together with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru. The project is entitled “Global Citizenship and Environmental Stewardship: Driving Water Sustainability and Resilience Through Efficient Conservation and Utilization” and aims to develop innovative teaching and research concepts on the topic of water. Particular attention is paid to the topics of microplastic pollution, water scarcity and sustainable wastewater management. The funding for this interdisciplinary project, which combines geography and chemistry, amounts to around 100,000 euros and extends from May 2025 to March 2026.

In the context of the existing challenges facing Europe's waters, a study by the European Environment Agency shows that only 37 percent of surface waters in the EU achieved a "good" or "very good" ecological status in 2021. A particularly worrying problem is the deterioration in water quality caused by industrial chemicals, agricultural residues and emerging pollutants such as microplastics. According to a report from the European Parliament, urgent action is needed to reduce pollution from harmful substances and chemicals in water.

Innovative approaches in the project

The newly launched project from Cologne and Bengaluru has set itself the goal of developing interculturally usable teaching and learning modules at master's level. These include topics such as environmental chemistry, the water-energy nexus, sustainable materials and data analysis. Among other things, modernization measures in water treatment and the development of innovative technologies such as photoelectrochemical processes and microplastic detection systems are planned. A bilateral exchange of young scientists as well as research stays and a winter school in Cologne also promote cooperation between the two institutions.

Sustainable water management as a global goal

In the larger context is the model of sustainable development, which was adopted by the United Nations in 1992. Sustainable water management includes the careful use of water, integrated management of river basins and the reuse of water in various sectors, especially in agriculture and industry. These concepts lay the foundation for long-term protection of water resources and ensuring sustainable use for future generations.

The Federal Environment Agency has already developed concepts for sustainable water management in the past that address the challenges and problems of water management in Germany. An overarching goal is the realization of a sustainable water management system in which regional conditions are taken into account and a long-term political process is necessary to find viable solutions.

The urgency of the issue is further underlined by the European Parliament's call for existing EU regulations, such as the Water Framework Directive, to be implemented and applied more consistently. It is essential to adapt the definitions and limit values ​​of pollutants in drinking water according to the latest scientific findings. This is the only way to ensure the quality of water in Europe in the long term and to overcome the diverse challenges of water management.

The University of Cologne's close collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science highlights not only the importance of international academic cooperation, but also the need to develop interdisciplinary solutions to address the challenges of sustainable water management. The project ultimately aims to make education and research a tool for global change in water management.