On August 26th and 27th, the city of Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, became a hub for water sustainability as iMERMAID partners and local stakeholders gathered for the highly anticipated BRIDGEWAT project event. The two-day meeting, a blend of high-level discussion and practical field demonstrations, proved to be a resounding success, reinforcing the power of collaboration in tackling chemical pollution in our waters.

The event, hosted by the PSRI Institute for Protection and Ecology of the Republic of Srpska (IPERS), was a fantastic opportunity for the iMERMAID consortium to connect with regional partners, industry leaders, and policymakers.

Day 1: Building Bridges Through Dialogue

The first day kicked off with the 5th Stakeholder Event, titled “Water Bridges: Connecting Communities for Sustainability,” held at the Hotel Courtyard by Marriott. The conference brought together a diverse group of experts, students, and institutional representatives from over 10 countries.

The event was officially opened by Dr. Željko Budimir, the Minister for Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education of Republika Srpska, who highlighted the critical importance of protecting water resources amidst industrial growth. Professor Dr. Predrag Ilić, Director of IPERS, presented the BRIDGEWAT project as a vital link between scientific innovation, public awareness, and the practical tools needed to safeguard aquatic ecosystems.

Through engaging thematic panels and technology showcases, the conference was a highly productive forum for exchanging knowledge and advancing the mission of iMERMAID.

Day 2: Innovative Technology in Action

Building on the momentum of the conference, the second day was dedicated to field demonstrations, showcasing iMERMAID’s cutting-edge technologies in real-world industrial settings. This provided a crucial link between research and practical application.

The iMERMAID team, alongside local partners, visited two key industrial sites:

  • Colorit Ltd.: At this major manufacturer of construction materials, attendees witnessed a live demonstration of the iMERMAID Electrochemical Sensor for Heavy Metals. This portable device provides real-time monitoring of Zinc (Zn), Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), and Copper (Cu), offering a fast and precise tool for industries to manage their wastewater effectively.

  • Hemofarm Ltd.: The visit to this leading pharmaceutical company focused on tackling emerging contaminants. The team presented an advanced electrochemical sensor for detecting PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances). The demonstration highlighted the system’s ability to provide remote data collection for drinking water, wastewater, and surface water, empowering industries and public institutions with critical, timely information.

A Productive Gathering and a Chance to Reconnect

The two-day event in Banja Luka was not only immensely productive in advancing the project’s goals but also served as a wonderful occasion for the entire iMERMAID family and its partners to catch up in person. The spirit of collaboration was palpable, from the formal discussions in the conference hall to the hands-on demonstrations at the industrial sites.

These joint efforts are paving the way for a more resilient and environmentally responsible future, proving that by working together, we can truly build bridges for sustainable waters.