The Water Science Forum (WSF) is one of the Royal Society of Chemistry's many Interest Groups. The Interest Groups are member driven groups which exist to benefit RSC members, and the wider chemical science community, in line with the RSC's strategy and charter.
Membership of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) provides access to a wide range of benefits and services which assist in career development plus offering professional and everyday financial savings. The Water Science Forum (WSF) is one of the most active of the RSC’s special interest groups. It focuses on the application of the chemical sciences to management of the water cycle and the impact of these activities on the natural environment. The WSF supports methods which promote efficient use of water resources including techniques for recycling/reuse and resource recovery. It has a diverse membership drawn from the water industry, consultancies, academia and regulatory bodies among others.
Scope
The WSF focuses on the application of chemical sciences in the management of the water cycle and the impact of these activities on the natural environment. WSF attracts members, and thus expertise, from many sectors within the water community.
Aims
To promote the professional and scientific interests of members and to advise on and influence, in the public interest, the application of chemistry in water-related industries. The WSF also aims to promote research, education and specialised training in all aspects of water-related chemistry, including relevant chartered status for members.
Objectives
- To keep members up-to-date with current developments within the water sector and to promote Continuous Professional Development.
- To provide a forum for the debate of professional and scientific matters on water-related issues within the RSC and other relevant organisations.
- To provide specialist technical advice on water-related issues to the RSC and to assist the RSC in presenting a corporate view to national and local government on matter of interest to WSF members.
- To promote research, education and specialised training in all aspects of water-related chemistry, including relevant chartered status for members.
Activities
- Organising topical meetings and conferences.
- Providing financial assistance to encourage professional development.
- Contributing to consultation documents from the UK and EU.
Benefits of Membership
- Keeps members up-to-date with current developments within the water sector and promotes Continuous Professional Development
- Provides a forum for the debate of professional and scientific matters on water related issues within the RSC and other relevant organisations
- Provides specialist technical advice on water related issues to the RSC and to assist the RSC in presenting a corporate view to national and local government on matters of interest to WSF members
Water for Life
The Water Science Forum has adopted WaterAid as its preferred charity.
WaterAid is a charity that works with some of the poorest communities in Africa and Asia providing a better quality of life through water, sanitation and hygiene education projects.
Many women and children in developing countries spend hours each day walking kilometres to collect water. This water is often dirty but they have no alternative. Carrying heavy water containers is an exhausting task, taking valuable time and energy. It prevents women from doing vital domestic or income generating work and stops children from going to school.
WaterAid believes that water, sanitation and hygiene education provide the key to poverty reduction. By focusing on projects that combine these three elements, health benefits are maximised and the results are long lasting and wide reaching.
WaterAid works with local partners to help some of the poorest communities in Africa and Asia plan, manage and maintain their own safe water supplies, sanitation facilities and promotes good hygiene practices. With these benefits communities are in a better position to work themselves out of poverty.
Through raising funds and awareness in the UK, WaterAid works closely with many different groups such as schools, churches and service groups and associates. WaterAid also receives a great deal of support from members of the public who give regular donations through direct debit. As little as £2 a month can give a person safe water, sanitation and hygiene education.
If you would like to get involved or would like more information please visit their web site or Tel: +44 (0) 20 7793 4500
How to Join
RSC members can join the Water Science Forum by updating their details in the “My communities and subscriptions” tab of the online RSC membership area. Please click here to login and add to your list of Interest Groups.
Quick links
Awards
Information about current awards offered by the Water Science Forum.
Bursaries
The Royal Society of Chemistry Water Science Forum offers a limited number of bursaries each year to post graduate students or professional water scientists to help support their early career development or when returning to scientific work after a break.
Forthcoming events
Forthcoming events organised by the Water Science Forum.
Contact the Secretary
For further information on the Water Science Forum you can contact the Secretary, Dr Ian Barnabas CSci CChem FRSC.
Support for interest groups
Useful information and resources for all RSC interest groups.
Also of Interest
This group is open to anyone with an interest in water science. You will be required to register for MyRSC, then you can sign up to become a member of this group
A complete list of evidence submitted to the February 2013 House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee inquiry into Water Quality
European Commission Newsletter on Water Frame Work directive issues
The WISE Newsletter is the bulletin of information of the Water & Marine unit of the Environment General-Directorate of the European Commission and it is published twice a year. Here you will find the latest edition
Annual report 2018
Committee
We are always keen to recruit new personnel to the Committee. All Water Science Forum members are eligible. Vacancies usually arise at the end of each year and elections are held if necessary. The Water Science Forum fully support the Royal Society of Chemistry's policies regarding equality and diversity.
If you wish to be considered for election to membership of the WSF Committee please contact the Hon. Secretary who will advise you accordingly.
Chair
Mr Simon Gillespie CChem FRSC
Simon Gillespie joined the Scottish water industry as an analytical chemist in 1989 after starting his career in nuclear fuel manufacturing, then spending several years in the oil industry in Saudi Arabia. Since Simon joined, responsibility for provision of water and wastewater services in Scotland has been rationalised from 12 local authorities, by way of 3 regional authorities (1996) to Scottish Water (2002). Over this period, the number of supporting laboratories has reduced from around 14, to just two. Simon’s main area of technical expertise is in elemental analysis by ICP-AES and ICP-MS, though he has accumulated experience in many areas of analytical chemistry and microbiology, and he now heads the Scottish Water Laboratories Department. As well as being a member of the Water Science Forum, Simon sits on the RSC Admissions Committee and the strategic board of the Standing Committee of Analysts, which publishes the renowned “blue book” series of reference methods for the examination of water and associated materials. Simon also participates in water quality related BSI and ISO committees and is currently Convenor of an ISO Working Group developing international standards for discrete analysis.
Secretary
Dr Ian Barnabas CSci CChem FRSC
Ian is the clean water Laboratory Manager for Northumbrian Water and has over 15 years experience in the environmental testing industry. Following completion of his Doctorate in environmental organic analysis, he worked as an analytical chemist in both clean water and environmental labs focusing on the analysis of trace organics before moving into various operational roles within Northumbrian Water. Ian has many years of experience participating in various groups including SCA, CEN and ISO committees, focusing on environmental analysis where he is always keen to share and promote new ideas.
Contact the secretaryTreasurer
Mr Jonathan Mace MRSC
Jonathan is Quality Manager at ALS Environmental’s Wakefield Laboratory. Jonathan’s career in the water industry started with Yorkshire Water’s scientific services at their Sheffield Laboratory in 1985. He has been involved in quality management since 1992, is an active member of the Chartered Quality Institute and a Chartered Quality Professional. His particular areas of interest include analytical quality control, method validation, uncertainty of measurement and the promotion of continuing professional development.