Günter Langergraber

 BOKU University

Head Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment 

Günter Langergraber is currently heading the Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment at the BOKU University, Vienna, Austria. Dr. Langergraber is a specialist for treatment wetland technology. He is the developer of the HYDRUS Wetland Module for simulating subsurface flow wetlands. Besides treatment wetlands, his expertise includes nature-based solutions in urban environments (e.g., as Chair of the COST Action CA17133 Circular City, www.circular-city.eu), resources- oriented sanitation systems (e.g., as chair of the IWA Specialist Group on Resources-Oriented Sanitation), and numerical simulation of wastewater treatment plants (e.g. as Chair of the IWA Working Group on Good Modelling Practice).

Marc Ribalta

 Eurecat

Researcher in Applied Artificial Intelligence (AAI)

Marc Ribalta is a researcher in the Applied Artificial Intelligence (AAI) unit of Eurecat. He is a Computer Engineer from the University of Lleida (UdL) with a PhD in Artificial Intelligence applied to the water sector. He has worked in large, varied technological projects with different artificial intelligence solutions, with experience applying solutions in the detection of anomalies, future estimations, and AI-based platforms in the water domain. He is currently involved in Machine Learning projects related to Anomaly Detection, Predictive Maintenance, Digital Twins, and Generative AI. His main current research involves studying Large Language Models to develop AI assistants and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) solutions, developing state of the art e-learning platforms to transform the water sector. In addition to his current research efforts, Marc has recently worked on several EU research and innovation projects aimed at advancing smart water management and sustainable resource use. Notable among these projects are SIM4NEXUS, SCOREwater, FIWARE4WATER, or PathoCERT, which address challenges ranging from water quality monitoring to emergency assessment.

Dr Stephen FOSTER

 GW.MAP

Groundwater Management & Protection Consultant 

Stephen Foster graduated from the University of London in 1965. He initiated his career in geotechnical engineering but specialised in groundwater work at an early stage, gaining British professional qualification (Chartered Status) both as an Environmental Engineer and as a Practising Geologist. He has exceptional experience in groundwater assessment, management and protection, from a research, consultancy and advisory perspective with a wide variety of practical application. In addition to his native Britain he has undertaken professional assignments in more than 35 countries, with major work in Argentina, Bermuda, Bolivia, Botswana, Brasil, China, Costa Rica, India, Mexico, Peru & Thailand.