Visible Solutions for Invisible Threats - Tackling Contaminants of Emerging Concern Together

This event brings together academic experts, industry frontrunners, policymakers and innovators to answer questions and to explore tangible, cross-sectoral solutions to these invisible threats. Discover existing technologies, engage with ongoing research, and help shape future policy and innovation.

PRELIMINARY PROGRAMME

13:30 Registration
14:00 Welcome – Luk Lemmens, Vice governor Province of Antwerp & Chairman of POM Antwerp
14:10 Keynote ‘Contaminants of Emerging Concern identified’
by Prof. dr. Ronny Blust, Ecosphere research team, Department of Biology of University of Antwerp
14:40 Panel Debate: Impact of CECs on Society, Health and Economy
Moderated by Christian Montag, Managing Director of iFLUX
Bringing together the perspectives from the industry, research, technology development and policy. 

• • Maarten De Jonge, Head of the Lab Department at the Flemish Environment Agency of VMM
• • Industry representative (tbc)
• • Koen Rummens, R&D Engineer of Aquafin
• • Academic researcher of University of Antwerp (tbc)

15:40 Break
16:10 Thematic Breakout Sessions

• • “Help! I failed my environmental permit. What does it entail and what next?” – Hosted by ARCHE Consulting
• • “Clean water through ozonation & activated carbon” – Hosted by the ‘Schone Waterlopen door O3G’ consortium

17:00 Site visits & demo’s 

• • Lab visit at iFLUX
• • Demo by Sodecon
• • Visit to the VITO Water Experience Container

17:40 Closing Remarks by Prof. Dr. Steven Van Passel, Vice-rector Valorisation and Sustainability, University of Antwerp
17:55 Networking Reception & Academic Poster Presentations

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
•  Timing: October 20th, 2025 - 13h30 – 19h30
•  Venue: Isala Building - Science Park University of Antwerp Niel, Belgium

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