SWIG launches 2020 ‘Early Career Innovation Poster Prize’ scientific poster competition

The SWIG Early Career Innovation Poster Prize is intended to raise awareness of technological development and novel applications related to water measurements and thereby promote innovation in sensor research and commercial application.

SWIG invites students and employees in the field of water sensors to design a poster summarising their research or development work. This is an opportunity for researchers and new staff within the water and environmental sectors to showcase their scientific talents and innovative thinking.

This year there is a £1,200 1st prize, £500 2nd prize and £200 3rd prize.

The competition is open to all 'early career’ staff or researchers including students either in full time education or within the first 4 years of employment in their career.

Posters passing to the final judging phase will be printed and displayed at the WWEM 2020 conference and exhibition on 11-12 November, with the top 3 entrants being invited to give a short presentation at WWEM. The winner will be judged on the poster and presentation, and announced at the WWEM Gala Dinner.

The winner of the 2018 prize was Ilaria Frau of Liverpool John Moore’s University, with her work on a portable microwave sensor entitled ‘Microwaves and Functional Materials: a Novel Method to Continuously Detect Zinc Ions in Water’. Ilaria was presented with a trophy and cheque during a prize ceremony at the WWEM gala dinner.

Ilaria said, "winning the SWIG early career poster competition 2018 award was an indescribable achievement. Having the opportunity to present my PhD project and discuss it with experts in managing water resources was incredible. It raised the credibility and visibility of my research; my project focused on developing a portable sensing device for real-time detection of toxic metals in water using microwave spectroscopy. It also gave me recognition as a researcher working on the challenge of sensing water efficiently, and the opportunity to expand my network among external peers. Being recognised for my work has encouraged me to proceed with my interest in sensing technology for guaranteeing water quality."  

Full competition details are available at swig.org.uk under ‘News/ECR Poster Competition’ or you can contact Rosa Richards for further information.

Submission of posters and abstracts this year is Web Portal: The deadline for submissions is Friday 4th September 2020.