Clement Nyadroh, a second-year PhD student from the School of Life Sciences’ Sustainable Biotechnology Research Group, has won the Best Poster Award at the recent ISMET-Africa conference organised by the International Society for Microbial Electrochemistry and Technology (ISMET). His project focuses on creating a sustainable and easy-to-use method for turning salty water into safe drinking water.
The conference took place between 5-7 February at Ain Sokhouna, Egypt, and attracted a number of researchers from around the world interested in microbial electrochemical technologies. The theme of this year’s conference was Microbial Electrochemical Technology: Bridging Innovation and Sustainability.
The overall goal of Clement’s PhD project is to develop a new, eco-friendly way to remove salt from water using microbes. This method, called microbial desalination, could use less energy than current technologies, such as reverse osmosis, and can be set up in different locations, making clean water more accessible.
Globally, 80% of people face severe threats to their water supply, and by 2030, the world will experience a 40% shortfall in the water needed to meet demand. Conventional desalination methods are too expensive for many low- and middle-income countries, leaving water supplies at risk from pollution and climate change while also harming the environment, making it an unsustainable solution to water scarcity.
Clement’s award-winning poster, Water Desalination Using 3D-Printed Biofilms in Microbial Desalination Cells, highlights how 3D-printed biofilms can reduce membrane clogging in microbial desalination cells, leading to much faster and more efficient salt removal from water.
Clement’s PhD project is sponsored by Trevor Yang, an alumnus and long-term benefactor of the University of Westminster.
Professor Godfrey Kyazze, Clement’s Director of Studies and Co-leader of the Sustainable Biotechnology Research Group, said: "Huge congratulations to Clement for winning the Best Poster Award at the ISMET-Africa conference! His outstanding work on microbial desalination cells for sustainable water desalination is a testament to his dedication and innovative thinking. A well-deserved recognition—proud to see our research making an impact on global water challenges!"
Jordan Scammell, Head of Development and Fundraising at the University of Westminster, praised Clement’s dedication and the impact of his sponsor’s support. He said: “I’ve been following Clement’s progress closely and have seen first-hand how he is excelling with the support of his PhD sponsor, alumnus Trevor Yang. Clement’s recent win for Best Poster at the ISMET-Africa conference is testament to his hard work, determination and high-quality research. Thanks to Trevor for choosing to support PhD funding for researchers like Clement."
Clement’s project directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Learn more about the Sustainable Biotechnology Research Group at the University of Westminster.
To find out how to sponsor PhD students like Clement, contact the University's Development Team.
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