Nutrient Removal and Recovery
IWA Nutrient Removal and Recovery Specialist Conference
17-21 May 2026
NRR2026
The city of Delft welcomes the 2026 Nutrient Removal and Recovery (NRR) Conference, a flagship event of the International Water Association (IWA).
Home to Antonie van Leeuwenhoek and the renowned Delft School of Microbiology, Delft has long been at the forefront of bio-inspired innovations in the global water sector. Building on almost 40 years of NRR conferences, NRR2026 offers a premier venue to explore the latest biotechnological advancements in (waste)water management. Special emphasis will be placed on the role of curiosity-driven research as the foundation for groundbreaking technological solutions.
NRR2026 will bring together key stakeholders — from international academics to industry leaders, practitioners, and policymakers. With strong engagement from universities, research institutes, industry, and governmental agencies, NRR2026 will be a pivotal moment in accelerating the transition from research to real-world impact, providing a roadmap for resilient, sustainable, and climate-proof cities.
Welcome from the Conference Chairs
Dear Participants,
On behalf of the Organizing Committee, it is our great pleasure to welcome you to the IWA Nutrient Removal and Recovery Conference 2026: “From Curiosity-Driven Research to Disruptive Innovations”.
As we navigate increasingly complex environmental and climate challenges, the need for visionary and transformative solutions in the water sector has never been more urgent. At the IWA Nutrient Removal and Recovery conference 2026 in Delft, we will highlight curiosity-driven research as the backbone of disruptive biotechnologies and emphasize the importance of accelerating the translation of fundamental discoveries into applications.
Our goal is to provide a platform for researchers and water professionals to share cutting-edge research, technologies, and innovations, and to explore new avenues that bridge science and practice for systemic change. Through a vibrant program of workshops, technical sessions, keynote lectures, and excursions, we will explore the future of nutrient management across scales — from microbial processes and modelling to full-scale implementation and policy.
We especially encourage contributions that challenge established paradigms and reflect on how visionary ideas can move from the lab to real-world impact. Looking forward to your active contributions and to five inspiring days of exchange, collaboration, and community.
Sincerely,
Michele Laureni and Samarpita Roy (co-chairs)
Mark van Loosdrecht (honorary chair)
Conference hosted by TU Delft, Haskoning
Co-chair
Co-chair
Honorary chair
Support NRR2026 as a Sponsor
Would your organisation like to be part of shaping the future of industrial water management? Become a sponsor of NRR2026 and gain visibility within an international community of water professionals, researchers and innovators. Our sponsorship brochure outlines all available opportunities.
Celebrating
Mark C. M van Loosdrecht’s Legacy
NRR2026 will honor the outstanding career of Prof. Mark C. M. van Loosdrecht, whose pioneering contributions — including the development of Anammox, Nereda, and Kaumera technologies — and unwavering commitment to mentorship have shaped environmental biotechnology and inspired generations of researchers worldwide.
Themes & Topics
Nitrogen, phosphorous and carbon
Bio-inspired removal and recovery solutions
Greenhouse gases and the broader footprint
Mechanisms and operational opportunities
Value-added products
Synergies for circularity and revalorization
Microbial ecology
From in depth characterization to rational engineering strategies
Mathematical modelling
Optimization and control, bridging mechanistic and AI perspectives
Novel technologies
Recovery in biosolid streams, phototrophic and electrochemical systems
Oligotrophic systems
Nutrients in drinking water, high quality effluents, and natural waters
(De)centralization opportunities
The urban and rural perspectives
Pilot/full-scale studies
Bringing knowledge to practice, engineering and societal challenges
Now Accepting Abstract Submissions
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Read more about the submission procedure here
SPONSORS
Become a NRR2026 Sponsor
The International Nutrient Removal and Recovery Specialist Conference 2026 offers you the possibility to interact and engage with industries, scientists, innovators, young water professionals, financiers, water utilities, cities and the business community.
Why support NRR2026?
Your sponsorship strengthens the community platform and its activities, driving meaningful impact on water-related SDG goals. It also offers a valuable opportunity for your business, connecting you with financiers and scientists in dynamic discussions.
NRR Platform
- Bringing industries, cities, water utilities and (applied) scientists together in a common platform to stimulate integrated innovative solutions.
- Multi-lateral as well as inter-sectoral collaborations around water.
- Youth leadership – Future Water Leaders for bringing new ideas and innovations to the table.
- Initiating and supporting implementation.
- Mix, meet and match.
NRR2026 Programme
- Workshops, thematic and poster sessions, side events and excursions to state-of-the-art innovations and field visits
- Community sessions. Building a leaders network on industry water management
- Stimulating circular and water saving solutions
Delegate profile
Academics, professionals, and policymakers involved in industrial water use, treatment, and sustainability:
- Industry Representatives (Water-Intensive Sectors)
- Water & Environmental Engineers
- Water Technology Providers & Consultants
- Government & Regulatory Bodies
- NGOs & Industry Associations
For more information or if you are interested in a tailormade partnership, please
contact: info@NRR2026.com/ 0031-6-31678668
Reserve Your Spot
$
49
Basic Pass
- Get entrance to all events and sessions
- Unlimited cups of coffee
- Meet in person your favorite speakers
$
89
Premium Pass
- Get entrance to all events and sessions
- Unlimited cups of coffee
- Meet in person your favorite speakers
$
119
Ultimate Pass
3 days pass to the event
- Get entrance to all events and sessions
- Unlimited cups of coffee
- Meet in person your favorite speakers
Get in touch
Have a question, idea, or just want to say hi? Fill out the form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. We’d love to hear from you!