International symposium on dealing with drought & water scarcity: How science meets practice
03 June 2025, 12.30-17.00, University of Twente
The symposium on dealing with drought and water scarcity was attended by over 65 participants from the University of Twente, Auburn University, practitioner and academic members of the Twentse Golf (Twentse Wave regional network) and from the German border region. It provided an opportunity to for researchers and practitioners to connect, learn, and help shape the future of sustainable water management. For a restrospective: see the symposium summary and photos.
AGENDA
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch and posters
13:30 – 14:30 Drought challenges and responses
- Welcome and introduction to the theme, Stefan Kuks, Professor, Governance and Technology for Sustainability (CSTM), University of Twente
- Drought responses in the US: Policy trends and university outreach, John Morris, Professor, Political Science, Auburn University, US
- Regional cooperation as a response, Stefan Nijwening, Innovation Manager, Vechtstromen Water Authority and Co-founder, Twentse Golf
- UTwente Drought and Water Scarcity Coalition, Joanne-Vinke de Kruijf, Professor, Civil Engineering, University of Twente
14:30 – 15:00 Break and posters
15:00 – 16:00 Co-producing knowledge & information for drought management
From knowledge to practice: Expected outcomes and impacts of drought management projects in the Eastern Netherlands and the neighbouring border region in Germany.
- Lara Wöhler, Assistant Professor, Multidisciplinary Water Management, University of Twente
- Joanne-Vinke de Kruijf, Professor, Climate Resilience Infrastructure Systems, University of Twente
- Yijian Zeng, Associate Professor, Water Resources, ITC, University of Twente
- Jochum van Montfoort, Doctoral Candidate, Governance and Technology for Sustainability (CSTM), University of Twente
16:00 – 16:55 Collaborating for a drought-resilient region
Panel & Interactive Discussion
- Stefan Nijwening, de Twentse Golf and Innovation Manager, Vechtstromen Water Authority (Moderator)
- Cheryl de Boer, Strategic Director, UTwente Climate Centre and Associate Professor, Urban and Regional Planning and Geo-Information Management, University of Twente
- Megan Heim LaFrambois, Associate Professor, Political Science, Auburn University
- John Morris, Professor, Political Science, Auburn University
- Stefan Kuks, Professor, Governance and Technology for Sustainability, University of Twente
16:55 Closing of Symposium
17:00 Drinks and networking
Hosted by: UT Climate Centre, UT Drought & Water Scarcity Coalition, and the Twentse Golf