What: Water Resources and Innovation: Managing water scarcity in Europe’s Maritime Alps and the American Southwest.
Date: Tuesday, March 3
Time: 12 to 4 p.m.
Location: Wilkes Center for Climate Science & Policy (L. S. Skaggs Applied Science Building, Suite W1204)
Register here.

On Tuesday, March 3, the Wilkes Center will host a half-day symposium on Water Resources and Innovation, in collaboration with the PEAK Water Sustainability Engine and the Université Côte d’Azur in Nice, France.

This half-day event will bring together water policy experts for in-depth discussions comparing water management strategies to address water scarcity in Europe’s Maritime Alps and the American Southwest.

By addressing these shared challenges, the collaborators will assess current water management practices and strategies, what current forecasting models show and opportunities for workforce development and innovation.

Adapting Agriculture in the Mediterranean Region

For the first half of the symposium, Dr. Isabelle La-Jeunesse, research professor with University Côte d’Azu, and the Mediterranean Institute of Risk, Environment and Sustainable Development, CNRS Laboratory, France, will screen her documentary “Grains of Change: Durum wheat adaptation in the Mediterranean region,” followed by a discussion of her work. Lunch will be provided during the film screening.

The 40-minute documentary (Italian and French with English subtitles) delves into the challenges and solutions surrounding durum wheat adaptation in the Mediterranean region.  As farmers across the Mediterranean grapple with the pressures of climate change, the heritage crop durum wheat—the foundation of bread, pasta and centuries-old traditions—stands at a crossroads. La-Jeunesse will discuss innovative solutions being developed in Sardinia under the ARSINOE project for agriculture to adapt and thrive in this new reality.

Fortifying for a Drier Future

The second part of the symposium will include two panel discussions: one focused on the management of precious water resources in both regions; the other on the intersection between research and innovation to strengthen water conservation, efficiency and availability. Panelists will share emerging innovations and tools for securing water resources, including atmospheric water harvesting and managing PFAS, better known as “forever chemicals.”

This symposium is open to the public, but online registration is required. Register here.

Agenda

• 12 to 1:30 p.m.: Documentary screening: “Grains of Change: Durum wheat adaptation in the Mediterranean region,” followed by a discussion led by Isabelle La-Jeunesse (Université Côte d’Azur).
  • Lunch to be served.
• 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.: Panel Discussion: Water Resources
  • Isabelle La-Jeunesse, research professor, University Côte d’Azur,
    Mediterranean Institute of Risk, Environment and Sustainable Development
    CNRS Laboratory, France
  • Laura Briefer, director, Salt Lake City Public Utilities
  • Court Strong,  professor of atmospheric sciences, University of Utah
  • Beth Parker, associate professor of law (research), S.J. Quinney College of Law, University of Utah
  • Moderator: Marian Rice, Office of the Vice President for Research, director National Laboratory Office | Peak Water | Energy Futures
• 2:30  to 2:45 p.m.: Networking break
• 2:45 to 3:45 p.m.: Panel Discussion: Intersection between Research and Innovation
  • Sameer Rao, assistant professor, mechanical engineering, University of Utah
  • Ainsley Lloyd, associate director, Energy Accelerator, University of Utah
  • Himanshu Sant, associate professor in chemical and mechanical engineering, University of Utah
  • Lindsie Smith, executive director, Great Salt Lake Alliance