Esther: “We need to focus on regeneration and digitalization”

Esther Gómez Herrero is part of the 6th European Junior Water Programme (EJWP) group. She is a Research and Development Project Manager at SOCAMEX in Valladolid in Spain and specialized in European projects within the Horizon Europe and LIFE programs. In this interview, Esther discusses her role, the most interesting aspects of her job, and future challenges in the water sector.

What is your current work position?

“My current position is research and development project manager, specialized in European projects within the Horizon Europe and LIFE program. I belong to the innovation department of SOCAMEX, sited in Valladolid, a company which manages the integral water cycle with the main objective of guaranteeing access to water for all citizens and ensuring the protection of the environment through sustainable development of water resources.”

Can you describe one of your workdays?

“A typical workday combines a mix of tasks related to research activities and management skills. From the innovation department, we manage several projects in parallel, so most of my day involves developing different actions for each project and communicating with the rest of the partners involved in these activities. Due to my previous experience in water treatment processes, I’m very involved in the technical work packages of the projects. In addition, the innovation team provides support to the rest of SOCAMEX departments in the presentation of tenders and requests for funding.”

What do you consider the most interesting part of your job?

“The most interesting part of my job as project manager is to have a general idea of the main demands of the water sector. Participating in European research projects aims to solve real needs and problems with very complex and varied challenges: digitalization of the sector, modernization of infrastructures, citizen awareness on the value of water and more sustainable use or the implementation of regulatory frameworks.”

What is a topic that you see as increasingly important in the water sector?

“In my opinion, the water sector faces a future that will focus on regeneration and digitalization. In Spain, most of the water sources we use are highly dependent on climate. The increasing frequency and extensive periods of drought make water regeneration one of the great options to face this great challenge for the sector, avoiding depending exclusively on climatic conditions, guaranteeing access to water and reducing extraction of the natural environment. On the other hand, advances in the development of technologies, cybersecurity or AI will allow their application in the water sector, obtaining much more real time and centralized information, controlling water quality and discharges and optimizing the operation of the treatment plants.”

What do you expect from international cooperation?

“By participating in international research and innovation projects, SOCAMEX aims to develop solutions that favor the transition towards a circular economy of the water cycle. Participating in this type of international projects gives us a series of very important advantages. SOCAMEX can be in contact with the best specialists in each sector, by being part of consortia and by sharing the risk of innovation, via European fundings. But the most important advantage is that international cooperation favors the achievement of excellence and improving as a company.”

Why are you joining EJWP?

“The main reason for joining EJWP is to connect with other young experts in the sector, which allows establishing solid relationships, seeking synergies and unifying objectives. Indeed, the participation in previous EJWP sessions gave me a different vision of international project management, from a social sciences point of view, through instructive and fun workshops.”

What and where did you study?

“I’m a biotechnologist from the University of Salamanca. In 2019, I completed my PhD in the department of Chemical Engineering of the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, specializing in the removal of contaminants in wastewaters through the combination of biological and oxidation treatments. This background allows me to perform relevant tasks in projects and processes related to water treatment.”