Technical Program
idra world congress 2026
Technical Program Awards
At each World Congress, IDRA gives awards for the best oral and written papers presented as part of the Technical Program in five categories. Winners are selected by members of the World Congress Awards Committee, using a weighted percentage score. These awards are presented at the Closing Luncheon.
Technical Paper Awards
Winners are selected by members of the World Congress Awards Committee, using a weighted percentage score.
These awards are presented at the Closing Luncheon.
State-of-the Art
Best paper that presents the application of an established desalination or water reuse technology in a way that reflects the best engineering practices in all aspects of the project or topic presented that is significant for the global industry.
Research and Development
Best paper that presents fundamental or applied research of a technology or concept related to desalination or water reuse that is at a pre- commercialization stage but shows interesting signs of development which could lead to impactful discoveries or technologies once at maturity.
Young Leader
Best paper presented by a member of the IDRA Young Leaders Program demonstrating scientific originality relevant and important to the fields of desalination and/or water reuse.
Innovation
Best paper that presents an innovative desalination or water reuse technology that has reached the commercial stage, is not yet considered to be widely adopted but is likely to become a game-changer for the industry.
Environment and Sustainability
Best paper presenting a desalination or water reuse topic, case study, a technology or any project in such a way that demonstrates how desalination can be applied while respecting the environment and applying the best sustainability principles.