About UWTC

The Urban Water Technology Centre (UWTC) has been established since August 1993 within the School of Contemporary Sciences at the University of Abertay Dundee . It developed from the activities of a group of staff carrying out research and consultancy work associated with wastewater and environmental management. This has resulted in valuable links being established between academia and industry, which continue to be expanded and reinforced.

The Centre is also fortunate in that it can obtain support from other specialists within the School and elsewhere in the University, for example chemistry, computing, microbiology and electronics, as well as a broad range of civil and environmental engineers.

The Centre's stated mission is to provide a service to the water industry (in the UK and overseas) in three main areas: research, academic and consultancy. In the many projects carried out to date the Centre has been highly successful in combining academic skills with commercial expertise. A broad range of clients have approached the Centre for advice and assistance including water companies and authorities, local authorities, manufacturers and private sector companies involved in the construction and civil engineering industry. Typically the Centre has a turnover of some £0.3M per annum.

The Centre operates from new, purpose built offices on the fifth floor of the main University, which contains open plan office space for all staff. Access to well equipped laboratories is available for a range of physical, chemical and biological testing of samples. As a direct result of work carried out our staff have particular expertise in solids and processes in sewer systems, in design and operation of sewage overflows, the application of best management practices to urban drainage systems, wastewater treatment systems, interactions between sewers and treatment plants and sustainability issues, and the monitoring of sewage and sludge with respect to quality as well as quantity. The ability to undertake certain projects is dependent upon support staff and the Centre is fortunate in having well equipped, trained and accredited dedicated field and survey teams.

Dr David Blackwood has established a reputation in decision support systems for addressing environmental management issues, particularly with Local Authorities. Dr Joe Akunna specialises in the treatment of waste waters, particularly where there are problems of high nutrient loads.  He is also working on modelling of the gas production from low density landfills.   Dr Rebecca Wade is responsible for the management of SUDSnet and was recently successful in establishing ISSUES, which is funded by three research councils and is organising six workshops on the integration of sciences to sustain urban ecosystem services.  Mr Daniel Gilmour specialises in sustainability assessment, decision support and public participation in decision making, in particular, on the enhancement of sustainability in the built and natural environment. Professor Chris Jefferies is recognised internationally for his experience in the planning, design, operation and maintenance of sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS). He is actively involved with and maintains a high profile for the Centre within international and national bodies.