Events

IFAT Munich - the world's leading trade fair for environmental technologies

This year’s IFAT—originally launched as a trade fair for wastewater technology—took place in Munich from 4 to 7 May 2026. Today, it attracts visitors and exhibitors from around the world and has evolved into a key platform for the circular economy.

The need to align the water cycle much more closely with the principles of the circular economy was emphasized by both Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, and Carsten Schneider, Germany’s Federal Minister for the Environment.

Currently, only a small fraction of consumed or treated wastewater is reused, with additional losses occurring due to leakages in distribution systems.

Further topics discussed at the “Water Forum” included digitalization in the water sector, PFAS in water, innovative concepts for urban spaces, the KARL project, as well as initiatives in Africa.

We look forward to presenting results from the Helmholtz Water Initiative at IFAT 2028.

Ted Talk at Helmholtz Future Forward

On April 22, the new Helmholtz President, Martin Keller, and the new Helmholtz Executive Director, Sabine Helling-Moegen, hosted the Helmholtz Future Forward event at the Helmholtz headquarters in Berlin. During the evening event, attended by approximately 300 guests from the fields of science, politics, industry, and society, one question took center stage: How can the societal benefits of research be made more clearly visible? Martin Keller emphasized that excellent science in Germany can only remain strong in the long term if people are made to understand the concrete difference it makes in their lives. That is why there is a constant focus on reflecting on the progress Helmholtz has made in recent years and how these results are having a tangible impact on society, everyday life, and the future. The Helmholtz Water Initiative, which was presented this evening by Dr. Larisa Tarasova (UFZ), also aims to achieve significant societal impact while maintaining scientific excellence (presentation link).  

Stakeholder consultation in Brussels

Prof. Dr. Dietrich Borchardt, spokesperson for the Helmholtz Water Initiative, attended the European Ocean Days in Brussels on 4 March 2026. As a panel participant, he took part in the session on closing knowledge gaps and building capacity to develop solutions for restoring and protecting the water cycle. An initiative for stakeholder participation within the framework of the EU Water Resilience Strategy in Brussels.