Special Tribute Session

Friday 4 September 2025, Room Aegle B, 9:00 a.m

>More information at: Session 16 - Advanced Oxidation Processes

At CEST2025, the Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) session will be dedicated to the memory of Prof. Dionysios (Dion) D. Dionysiou (1968-2023) - a pioneer in environmental engineering, o global leader in water treatment technologies, and a valued member of the CEST Organizing and Scientific Committee for many years. 

A few words about Prof. Dionysiou 

Dionysios (Dion) Dionysiou was a visionary scientist, mentor & philanthropist, who believed that access to I safe drinking water should be a global right, regardless of geography, social status, or financial means. For nearly three decodes, he dedicated his career to advancing water purification & disinfection
technologies, particularly through the development of innovative advanced oxidation processes.

Prof. Dionysiou earned his Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from the Notional Technical University of Athens (1991), followed by a Master's degree from Tufts University (1995) & a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Cincinnati (2000). He served for 23 years at the University of Cincinnati, mentoring students, faculty, and scholars worldwide. His research addressed a broad spectrum of topics, including: 

1. water treatment,
2. advanced oxidation technologies,
3. sustainable water processes,
4. environmental nanotechnology, and
5. removal of biological and chemical contaminants. 

His 2023 publication in Water Journal reflects his extensive contributions to the field.
He authored over 600 peer-reviewed publications and delivered more than 600 invited talks in +50 countries. From 2018 to 2022, he was consistently recognized as o Highly Cited Researcher by Web of Science in Engineering, Environment & Ecology, and Chemistry. Prof. Dionysiou also held leadership roles in the ACS Division of Environmental Chemistry, supporting early-career, female, and international researchers. 

He served as UNESCO Co-Choir Professor on "Water Access and Sustainability" (2013-2017) and received numerous honors, including the 2014 AEESP Frontier in Research Award, the 2017 AEESP Distinguished Service Award, and the 2022 Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water (PSIPW) Creativity Prize, awarded jointly with his students.

• O’Shea, K.E., Antoniou, M.G. Dionysios (Dion) Demetriou Dionysiou (1966–2023). Nat Water 2, 104–105 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44221-024-00204-x
  
  Text authored by Dr Maria Antoniou, Associate Professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering of the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT)

Thursday 4 September 2025, Room Panacea, 11:30 a.m

>More information at: Session 8 - Energy recovery from waste

The session explores innovative strategies for transforming agricultural and industrial residues into energy, advanced fuels, and value-added bioproducts. Utilizing insights from the BioFoirNet project (https://biofoirnetproject.eu/), it highlights how advanced green technologies and digital tools ore supporting circular and bioeconomy transitions in carbon-intensive regions. It underscores how waste valorization technologies con reduce emissions while fostering local economic resilience. Energy-from-waste con be a pillar of the green and just transition, aiming to empower communities and bridge digital and socio-economic divides.

This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon Europe under Grant Agreement N° 101181568.

Friday 5 September 2025, Room Aegle A, 11:30 - 13:00 p.m 

>More information at: Session 22 - Advancing Climate Resilience through Engagement of Citizens: Insights from the CLIMAS Project

Workshop Overview:

This workshop will showcase key findings and tools developed within CLIMAS project, a project funded by EU, under Horizon Europe program. The ambition of the CLIMAS project is to support a transformation to climate resilience by offering an innovative problem-oriented climate adaptation toolbox, co-designed together with stakeholders by applying a value-based approach, design thinking methods and citizen science mechanisms.

In the framework of CLIMAS project, climate assemblies and Living labs are considered as sustainable and reasonable tools to stimulate deliberative democracy in climate policymaking. The session will explore innovative methodologies through the engagement of citizens and evaluation approaches aimed at fostering a climate-resilient society. The workshop will feature presentations and interactive discussions on the enhancement of public participation through climate assemblies as well as the performance monitoring methodology of climate assemblies.

Workshop Objectives:

• Presentation of the CLIMAS project. Vision and initiatives developed for the enhancement of citizens’ participation in decision-making

• Explore the CLIMAS Toolbox for facilitating deliberation in Climate Assemblies and its practical applications

• Introduce participants to the citizen-collaborative future scenario-building methodology. Share lessons learned from its application in climate assemblies, living labs, and public events.

• Present the evaluation approach for monitoring the performance and impact of Climate Assemblies.

• Facilitate discussions on best practices and challenges in participatory climate resilience initiatives.

Workshop Structure:

1. Opening Remarks & Workshop Introduction (10 minutes)

   • Welcome and objectives of the session

   • Brief overview of the CLIMAS project

2. Presentation 2: The CLIMAS Toolbox (30 min)

   • Participatory Decision-Making Tools: Techniques for engaging citizens in climate policy decisions

   • Digital Platforms for Climate Engagement: Use of online tools to support deliberative processes

3. Presentation 2: Citizen-Collaborative Future Scenario Building Methodology (20 minutes)

   • Overview of the tool and its purpose

   • Lessons learned from applications in climate assemblies, living labs, and public events

   • Interactive discussion and Q&A

4. Presentation 3: Evaluation Approach & impact of Climate Assemblies (30 minutes)

   • Framework for monitoring performance and impact

   • Key findings and best practices

   • Audience Q&A and discussion

5. Interactive Panel Discussion: Lessons Learned & Future Directions (20 minutes)

   • Open discussion with presenters and audience

   • Identifying opportunities for further research and collaboration

   • Closing remarks

Target Audience:

• Researchers and academics in environmental science and policy

• Practitioners involved in climate resilience and public engagement

• Policymakers and local government representatives

• Civil society organizations and climate activists

• Students and early-career professionals in environmental disciplines

Expected Outcomes:

• Increased understanding of participatory tools for climate resilience

• Exchange of experiences and insights on best practices

• Strengthened collaboration among stakeholders in climate policy and engagement

Workshop Duration: 2 Hours

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe

Research and Innovation program under the grant agreement No 101094021

Saturday 6 September 2025, Room Aegle B, 11:30 - 13:00 p.m

>More information at: Session 34: Environmental Impact of Maritime Transport - NAVGreen

As part of CEST2025, a special session will be dedicated to exploring the environmental impacts of maritime transport and the legislative, policy, and technological solutions available to address them. In this framework, the results of the project NAVGreen, an emblematic program that aims to improve the environmental footprint of shipping will be presented.

The session will address a broad spectrum of topics related to the environmental footprint of maritime activities. 

Contributions are invited on the following subjects:

• Energy efficiency and climate change mitigation in maritime transport
• Atmospheric emissions and air pollution from ships
• Ballast water management and control of invasive species
• Environmental management of ports and marinas
• Marine pollution: oil and chemical spills, solid waste, scrubber discharges, antifouling biocides
• Underwater noise and its ecological effects
• Ship dismantling and recycling practices
• Environmental regulations and policy frameworks for shipping and ports
• Sustainable shipping initiatives and innovative practices

This session aims to bring together researchers, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss recent developments, challenges, and best practices in advancing environmental sustainability in the maritime sector.

Saturday 6 September 2025, Room Aegle B, 15:30 - 17:00 p.m

>More information at: Session 37 - Micropollutant Removal and Circular Water Reuse: Challenges and Opportunities under the Revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive

Keynote speaker: Dr Paola Verlicchi, University of Ferrara, Italy
 

Title of the speech: Quaternary treatments in the upgrading of WWTPs in accordance with the recent UWWTD: micropollutant removal and operation reliability

Session Description / Call for Papers:

The revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (EU Directive 2024/3019) represents a significant policy milestone, placing greater emphasis on the removal of micropollutants and contaminants of emerging concerns (CECs) from urban wastewater. The Directive outlines new treatment requirements and introduces an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mechanism to support the transition to safer and more sustainable water management across Europe.

This special session at CEST2025 aims to gather researchers, water professionals, technology developers, and policymakers to share knowledge, tools, and experiences in the monitoring, removal, and risk assessment of micropollutants within the framework of urban wastewater reuse and circular economy principles.

We welcome contributions in the following thematic areas:

• Advanced treatment technologies for the removal of micropollutants (e.g., ozonation, activated carbon, AOPs, membranes)
• Occurrence, fate, and behavior of emerging contaminants in urban wastewater
• Analytical methods for detection and monitoring of pharmaceuticals and other micropollutants
• Treatment train design and process optimization to comply with EU 2024/3019 requirements
• Micropollutant removal in the context of water reuse for agriculture, urban, and industrial applications
• Risk assessment and environmental safety of reclaimed water
• Cost-benefit analysis for quaternary treatment of wastewater
• Nature-based solutions and integrated approaches for contaminant reduction
• Policy, governance, and financing frameworks—including Extended Producer Responsibility
• Case studies and best practices from utilities and municipalities
•  

Keywords: Urban Wastewater Directive 2024/3019; micropollutants; emerging contaminants; quartenary treatment; water reuse; wastewater reuse; EPR; wastewater regulation, water safety

Submission Info:
Submit your abstract (500 words) or paper (max 2 pages) via the CEST2025 abstract submission portal. When submitting, select the special session titled “Micropollutant Removal and Circular Water Reuse: Challenges and Opportunities under the Revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.”

Guidelines for authors are available at https://cest.gnest.org/cest2025/guidelines-authors-and-participation-options. Submission link: https://cms.gnest.org/

For more information, please contact Dr Eleftheria Klontza, eleftheria.klontza@aegean.gr

The UrbanWaterSecurity Academy is an international initiative dedicated to 

advanced training in the sustainable management of urban water resources. 

Through a multidisciplinary approach, the Academy aims to develop essential 

skills and knowledge to address the challenges associated with urban water 

security, a critical issue in the face of rapid urbanization and climate change.

The UrbanWaterSecurity Academy has successfully organized three editions to date:
• First Edition (2022): Held in Salerno, Italy, this inaugural edition laid the foundation for the Academy's mission to address urban water security challenges.
• Second Edition (2023): Conducted in Athens, Greece, from August 30 to September 2, 2023.
• Third Edition (2024): Took place in Paestum, Italy, from June 14 to June 16, 2024, at the Oleandri Resort.

Founded to meet the growing need for innovative and sustainable water management solutions, the Academy is supported by leading academic institutions and international organizations. The Academy provides a unique learning experience that combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, focusing on innovative solutions to:

1. enhance water quality,
2. optimize water usage, and
3. ensure resource resilience in urban environments. 

It brings together young researchers, professionals, and industry experts to exchange ideas, collaborate on sustainable projects, and promote a resilient urban water future.

The fourth edition of the UrbanWaterSecurity Academy will be held on the island of Kos, Greece, from September 2 to 6, 2025, in conjunction with the CEST2025 Conference (Conference on Environmental Science and Technology). This year’s Academy is organized by the Waste Management Laboratory of the Department of Environment at the University of the Aegean (Greece), in cooperation with the Sanitary Environmental Engineering Division (SEED) of the University of Salerno (Italy).

Topics

The UrbanWaterSecurity Academy offers intensive training designed 

for Master’s and Ph.D. students, post-doctoral researchers, and early-career professionals. This program meets the growing demand for expertise in urban water security by providing a comprehensive understanding of fundamental principles, practical applications, and innovative technologies for urban water management. 

The Academy encourages participants to integrate technical knowledge with broader environmental and societal contexts, equipping them to address present and future water challenges in urban environments. The curriculum is developed by a distinguished program committee, which ensures high-quality instruction by selecting top-tier experts in the field.

The Academy program will include:

• Lectures by Leading Experts: Providing both theoretical foundations and

real-world case studies, these sessions will highlight innovations in urban 

water security, resource recovery, and resilience planning.

• Hands-On Workshops: Interactive sessions focusing on the urban water system 

design, management of emerging contaminants, and climate adaptation 

strategies, complemented by hands-on demonstrations.

• Discussions and Q&A Sessions: Opportunities for participants to engage 

with experts on current challenges, future developments, and critical trends in 

urban water security.

• Technical Tours: Field visits to water management facilities in Kos, Greece, 

offering firsthand insights into advanced practices in urban water treatment 

and sustainable resource management.

This edition will feature prestigious educators, each a global leader in urban water science and technology, including winners of the prestigious PSIPW awards. Their expertise will broaden participants' perspectives and prepare them to lead impactful change. Participants will engage in six specialized modules comprising six comprehensive classes, seven class works, and one technical tour. 

The Academic Programme can be found here

How to apply?
Please submit the form that you will find at: https://forms.gle/pTTRDFRB5xpfGJuG8

Important notice: Attendance at the Academy is free of charge for CEST2025 registered participants and a certificate will be provided. Students who are not registered for CEST2025 and wish to participate should contact us at cest@gnest.org