Prof. Eric van Hullebusch

Université Paris Cité, France

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Biogrpahy: Prof. Eric D. van Hullebusch received his PhD (Aquatic Chemistry and Microbiology) from Université de Limoges (France) in 2002. From November 2002 until October 2004 he was a Marie Curie Postdoctoral fellow at Wageningen University & Research (the Netherlands) where his research focused on the optimization of anaerobic granular sludge reactors by studying the speciation, bioavailability and dosing strategies of trace metals. In 2005, he was appointed as associate professor in biogeochemistry of engineered ecosystems at Université Paris-Est (France). In 2012, Eric van Hullebusch obtained his Habilitation qualification in Environmental Sciences from Université Paris-Est (France). The title of his Habilitation thesis is “Biofilms in the environment: from anaerobic wastewater treatment to material bioweathering”. From September 2016 until August 2018, he worked at IHE Delft as chair professor in Environmental Science and Technology and head of the Pollution Prevention and Resource Recovery chair group. In September 2018, he joined Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (France) as full professor in Biogeochemistry of engineered ecosystems.

Speech title "MedInCircle: Integrated Circular Management of Water, Nutrients, and Bioresources in Mediterranean Agri-Food Systems"

Abstract-The Mediterranean region faces growing pressures from climate change, water scarcity, and food insecurity, posing significant risks to the resilience of its agri-food systems. MedInCircle: Future-Proofing the Mediterranean Agri-Food Chain through Circular Management of Water, Nutrients, and Bioresources addresses these challenges by developing circular and integrated strategies for resource management in the agri-food sector.
The project implements a modular platform for the recovery, treatment, and valorization of water, wastewater, and agri-food residues. Key innovations include biological treatments enabling safe ferti-irrigation and reuse of agricultural drainage water, nutrient recovery from domestic and industrial waste streams, and upcycling into slow-release microbial fertilizers and biostimulants. A particular focus is placed on monitoring and mitigating organic and inorganic micropollutants in treated wastewater to ensure contaminant-safe reuse. The agronomic performance and impact on soil microbiomes of these recovered resources are evaluated on typical Mediterranean crops.
MedInCircle also integrates cost-benefit assessments and stakeholder engagement to promote practical applicability and social acceptance. By closing nutrient and water loops while ensuring water quality, the project advances sustainable, resilient, and circular Mediterranean agri-food chains.

Acknowledgement : The MedInCircle: Future-Proofing the Mediterranean Agri-Food Chain through Circular Management of Water, Nutrients, and Bioresources (MedinCircle) project is part of the PRIMA Programme supported by the European Union.

 

 

 

Prof. R. J. (Dick) Haynes

The University of Queensland, Australia

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Biogrpahy: Professor Haynes works in the areas of soil and environmental science. His present research interests are in the use and recycling of industrial, agricultural and municipal wastes and minimising their effects on the environment. He has extensive experience having worked as both an applied research scientist and as a university professor and has worked in New Zealand, South Africa and Australia. He has published over 170 original research papers in international journals, over 20 review papers in international volumes as well as many conference and extension papers and contract reports. He has been an invited keynote speaker at 7 international conferences and has served on the editorial board of 4 international research journals. He has acted as principal supervisor and co-supervisor of PhD, MSc and honours students in both South Africa and Australia. Professor Haynes has carried out research in commercial horticultural, pastoral, arable and forestry production as well as in small-holder semi subsistence agriculture. He has also worked on bioremediation of soils contaminated with organic pollutants, rehabilitation of mined sites, application of organic and inorganic wastes to soils and the effects of heavy metal contaminants on soil processes. His research has been mainly in the areas of applied soil chemistry and soil microbiology/biology with links to soil physical properties and to pollution of air and water. He has specialised in working on applied problems and maintains strong links with industry. Major areas of research have included the role of grazing animals in the fertility of pastoral soils, N cycling and gaseous and leaching losses from arable and pastoral systems, soil quality and soil degradation under agricultural land use, effects of soil contaminants on soil processes, rehabilitation and remediation of contaminated, degraded and mined sites and use of wastes as soil amendments

Speech title "Revegetation of bauxite processing residues – an exercise in environmental engineering"

Abstract-Bauxite is processed in alumina refineries by the Bayer process in which Al-containing minerals are dissolved in hot NaOH. The alumina produced is then transported to an aluminium smelter where aluminium metal is produced. The insoluble solids (bauxite processing residues) produced during the refining of alumina are deposited in impoundments surrounding the alumina refinery. For every tonne of alumina produced, 1-2 tonnes of residues are produced and, on a global basis, annual production of residue is about 120 million tonnes while the legacy over the last 120 years is about 2.7 billion tonnes. The material is red in colour due to its high content of iron oxides and is composed of mainly fine, silt-sized particles (0.002-0.02 mm dia.). As a result it is often referred to as red mud. Establishment of a vegetation cover on the residue waste areas is normally an essential closure strategy for the refinery. Major limitations to plant growth in residues include salinity, sodicity, alkalinity, Al toxicity and deficiencies of macro- and microelements. Physical properties are also problematic since residue mud consolidates to form a solid mass that waterlogs easily and can also dry to form a massive structure. Before establishment of vegetation it is desirable to leave the area for a decade or more to allow excess salts (especially Na) and alkalinity (as bicarbonate) to leach down the profile. The material must also be left to dry during which time it undergoes an irreversible shrinkage, solidification and cracking due to the presence of pozzolanic Al silicates and aluminates. Gypsum (calcium sulphate) can then be cultivated into the surface horizon. This reduces pH by inducing precipitation of alkalinity as CaCO3. It also displaces Na with Ca and promotes further leaching of Na. Organic amendments (e.g. composts, animal manures) can then be applied to supply nutrients, increase CEC and improve physical conditions. Addition of inorganic fertilizers to supply nutrients is also essential. The type of vegetation established is often dependant on the nature of the surrounding vegetation (pasture or native vegetation). In either case, plants introduced need to be adapted to climatic conditions in the locality as well as being tolerant to saline, sodic conditions. With careful management a vigorous vegetation cover can be established and long-term revegetation trials have shown plants continue to grow well.

 

 

 

 

 

Prof. Eric J. Strauss

Michigan State University, USA

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Biogrpahy: Dr. Eric Strauss is Professor Emeritus of Urban and Regional Planning at Michigan State University. He received his J.D. from Northwestern University School of Law and his PhD in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prior to joining Michigan State, he taught at the University of Kansas where he was the Chair of the Graduate Program in Urban Planning and Indiana University. While at Michigan State University, he was a former director of the URP program. In the School of Planning, Design and Construction. He also was a Visiting Professor at universities in South Korea, Ireland, and Germany. He was a Fulbright Scholar to Panama and to Romania. He was named the “Outstanding Site Visitor” by the Planning Accreditation Board for 2022. He is the current President of the Advisory Academic Council on Signage Research and Education (AACSRE). Dr. Strauss had more than 40 years of experience in planning practice in both the public and private sector. He was a planner for federal and state governments, a city and county planning director, a city attorney, and a consultant to more than 50 organizations, both public and private, on a wide variety of planning related issues. Strauss prepared many comprehensive plans and land use regulations at all levels of detail for many communities. His current research interests include measuring the impact of climate action plans adopted by local governments and universities as well as policies for sustainability. He has published articles in the fields of renewable energy, climate change and climate refugees.

Speech title "Integrating Climate Security into U.S. University Energy Planning and Policies: A Pathway to Sustainable Governance"

Abstract-As public institutions with significant energy demands and policy influence, U.S. universities play a crucial role in advancing climate security through integrated energy planning and governance innovation. This study examines the incorporation of climate security principles into public universities' energy policies and frameworks, emphasizing their potential to drive sustainable governance.
The research evaluates institutional practices and perceptions within campus populations using a mixed-methods approach, including policy document analysis, semi-structured stakeholder interviews, and community surveys. The findings reveal significant variability in approaches to climate security integration. Universities are categorized into “proactive institutions” that formally embed climate security principles into their energy policies and align them with broader climate objectives, and “reactive institutions,” which treat climate-related risks as operational concerns without strategic alignment to overarching sustainability goals. This dichotomy underscores the need for more comprehensive frameworks that transcend reactive measures to address climate risks holistically.
The research identifies three critical policy pathways for mainstreaming climate security: (1) aligning campus energy goals with regional and national climate strategies to ensure coherence; (2) strengthening governance through interdepartmental collaboration and accountability mechanisms to address risks comprehensively; and (3) adopting justice-oriented engagement practices to prioritize equitable access to resilient energy systems and address social equity alongside environmental considerations.
This research highlights the transformative potential of institutional leadership and multi-stakeholder collaboration by conceptualizing universities as ‘policy laboratories’ for climate-secure energy governance. Universities have the opportunity to model best practices and influence broader societal transitions toward climate justice and security. In conclusion, advancing climate security on university campuses requires shifting from reactive to strategic approaches in energy planning. By prioritizing policy coherence, fostering collaboration, and integrating principles of equity and justice, universities can lead the way in addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time.