PDR/Cardiff Metropolitan University was pleased to welcome partners from across Europe for the third AquaSphere Peer Learning Event, held on 23–24 March 2026. Funded by the EIT Higher Education Initiative, AquaSphere is a collaborative programme that empowers higher education institutions to act as key drivers of water and maritime innovation. The initiative supports innovation and growth within the blue economy across Europe and beyond.
The first day of the event brought together project partners, including PDR/Cardiff Metropolitan University, Technical University of Crete, İzmir Institute of Technology, University of the Antilles, TechTour, and Envolve to share insights and knowledge gained throughout the project.
On the second day, the event expanded to include additional partners, researchers, and sector stakeholders from across Europe and Wales. Participants came together to exchange ideas, explore opportunities for collaboration, and strengthen connections between institutions working in this rapidly evolving field.
The programme featured short presentations and discussions from contributors including Dr Rachel Mason-Jones from Cardiff Metropolitan University, Dr Alla Silkina from Swansea University, Don Snow the Director at Severn Estuary Tidal Bar (SETB) and PDR’s own Josh James. Josh presented Hydrobean, an innovative water monitoring device designed to be placed in rivers to continuously measure and relay water quality. Developed for use by citizen scientists, Hydrobean enables more frequent and widespread environmental monitoring at a local level.
Discussions throughout the event focused on shared challenges and opportunities within the blue economy, highlighting the importance of cross-border collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint research in developing sustainable solutions for Europe’s marine and coastal sectors.
To further support innovation and skills development in the blue economy, AquaSphere offers a range of programmes for students, staff, and entrepreneurs. These include acceleration programmes for start-ups and innovators, as well as dedicated training opportunities for both students and higher education staff.
#HEIPowered#AquaSphere#Innovation#Entrepreneurship#BlueEconomy
#WaterManagement#TechTransfer#EITRawMaterials