Water UK has launched the National Watershot Prize to recognise early-career research addressing major water-sector challenges, from drought resilience to sewage pollution.
Water UK has launched a national prize to celebrate innovative academic research focused on the future of the UK water sector.
The inaugural National Watershot Prize will recognise undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral and early-career research addressing challenges such as securing water supplies, reducing sewage pollution and improving environmental management.
The £25,000 annual prize fund will be split between the top three entries, with £15,000 awarded to the winner and £5,000 each for second and third place.
Applications are now open through the official National Watershot Prize page.
National Watershot Prize opens for water research
The award is open to early-career researchers whose work could help the water sector respond to climate change, rapid population growth, pollution, leakage, drought resilience and other industry challenges.
Water UK said the prize is intended to encourage researchers to bring new ideas and expertise into the sector.
According to Water UK, eligible applicants can be studying for a master’s or doctorate at a UK university, within three years of being awarded an undergraduate degree, master’s or doctorate from a UK university, or in a first postdoctoral or early-career research post within three years of a doctoral award.
Teams can also apply, provided each member meets the eligibility criteria and one lead applicant is named.
The prize is open to any discipline and applicants of any nationality with the right to study or work in the UK.
Prize fund will recognise top three entries
The winner or winning research team will receive £15,000.
Second and third-place applicants will each receive £5,000.
Water UK said all shortlisted applicants will be invited to a prize-giving ceremony in January 2027, where the winners will be announced.
Applications will be shortlisted by Water UK policy experts before the top three entries are chosen by a panel of experts from the environmental sector, academia and public life.
Entries will be assessed on research quality, originality, relevance to industry challenges, and communication and clarity.
Research to address water-sector challenges
Water UK said research topics could include adapting to climate change, tackling water pollutants, harvesting rainwater, improving water efficiency, promoting sustainable drainage, preventing blockages and improving asset health.
The prize is being launched as water companies in England and Wales prepare to deliver a major investment programme to the end of the decade.
Water UK said the sector is investing more than £100bn, including work to build new reservoirs, secure future water supplies and reduce sewage entering rivers and seas.
The announcement also links the prize to a joint commitment between water companies, industry and government to recruit and train 50,000 people by 2030.
Minister says research can help solve water challenges
Water Minister Emma Hardy said:
“The National Watershot Prize is a fantastic opportunity to recognise the brilliant researchers who will help solve some of our biggest water challenges, from flood resilience to reducing sewage pollution. I can’t wait to see how their work shapes the future of our industry.
“I’ve seen firsthand what long-term investment in water can achieve, from building new reservoirs to recycling waste into new resources. Over £104 billion of private investment is being spent to fix our pipes, build nine new reservoirs and secure water supplies for the future, and it’s fantastic to see the next generation of innovators stepping up to be part of that change.”
David Henderson, Water UK Chief Executive, said:
“New discoveries and original research are needed to help secure our water supplies and reduce the impact of wastewater on the environment. With the National Watershot Prize, we hope to encourage the brightest minds in our universities to bring their talents, energy, and fresh perspectives to the water sector, helping us to pioneer the technologies of tomorrow.”
How to apply for the National Watershot Prize
Applicants must submit a copy of their research, a CV and a covering letter through Water UK’s official form.
Water UK’s guidance says research submissions can include a published paper, thesis or summary of an ongoing research programme.
The covering letter should summarise the research and its relevance to water-sector challenges.
The submission deadline is Monday 2 November at 11:59pm.
For more coverage of water-sector research and innovation, visit H2O Global News’ Research & Development section.
Source: Water UK
