j-wafs food & water news...challenges of our time. in professor manthiram’s words, “the fact...
TRANSCRIPT
MIT JshyWAFS Food and Water News upcoming events fundingopportunities and more
View this email in your browser
J-WAFS Food amp Water NewsNovember 2017
In this issue
JshyWAFS News
JshyWAFS Highlight The catalyzing potential of JshyWAFS seed grants
MIT News Opportunities amp Water and Food Events
Bostonshyarea Water and Food Events
Funding and Other Opportunities
J‑WAFS News
Seed Grant Request for Proposals to be Announced inNovember
JshyWAFS will be distributing our fourth request for proposalsthroughout MIT this month For this annual seed grant we areseeking proposals from MIT PIs for innovative projects that have thepotential for significant impact on issues and challenges related tothe worldrsquos water and food supply The JshyWAFS seed grants provide up to $100000 per year for one totwo years free of overhead charges MIT principal investigatorsfrom all schools and departments across the Institute are eligibleto apply Visit our website to view previously funded projects
Proposals will be due in January 2018 For more information about the RFP contact Andi Sutton JshyWAFS communications and program manager at arsuttonmitedu
J‑WAFS Highlight
The catalyzing potential of J-WAFS seed grantsAndi Sutton Communications and Program Manager JshyWAFS November 2017 ldquoNo one ever forgets their first grantrdquo These are the words of Karthish Manthiram Warren KLewis Career Development Professor in ChemicalEngineering at MIT the grant that he is referring to is a2017 JshyWAFS Seed Grant Karthish Manthiram was a new hire in January 2017when he submitted a JshyWAFS seed grant proposal He came to MIT from a twoshyyear postdoc in theDivision of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering atCalTech bringing a vision for a lab that would useclean sources of electricity to drive chemicalmanufacturing Manthiram saw many directions forthis work though he expected to begin by focusing oncarbonshyfree fuels All this changed with the JshyWAFSseed grant ldquoThe JshyWAFS call reminded me that Icould apply the exact same principles to food as I could to fuelrdquo Manthiram remarked In spring 2017 hewas awarded a grant for the development of a solarshypowered electrochemical device that converts
nitrogen from air water and sunlight into ammonia to be added to soil to promote plant growth Thiscreative application of his research is now the project upon which he is building his lab at MIT The availability of resources sometimes guides research as was the case for professor Manthiram Seed grants in particular can be transformational Professor Manthiramrsquos story is one of many that JshyWAFS PIs have shared about the impact of our funding As we gear up to distribute our annual seedgrant request for proposals this month we highlight several more examples that illustrate how influentialJshyWAFS seed funding has already been Catalyzing the unexpected
Seed funding can sparkunexpected research directionseven for faculty who are moreestablished in their careers Civiland environmental engineeringprofessor Martin Polz devotes hisresearch to the environmentalinfluences on microbial populationsand how these influences affectgenomic diversity and adaptation Before receiving a seed grant in2016 his lab focused on howviruses function as microbepredators in marine environments He had not planned to apply thiswork to food supply issues though
two wellshytimed factors contributed to a change in direction First Polz made a connection withFrederique Le Roux at the Statione Biologique de Roscoff in France who was interested in collaboratingto find a solution to oyster pathogen problems in aquaculture Second JshyWAFS distributed a seed grantRFP ldquoIt was the kind of situation where we had all the necessary data but didnrsquot plan on addressing[oyster aquaculture] in an immediate mannerrdquo Polz recalled ldquoThe seed grant was fortuitous andallowed us to apply our research to this new directionrdquo Transforming research practice Erica James then an associateprofessor of anthropology at MITand now an associate professor ofmedical anthropology and urbanstudies in the Department of UrbanStudies and Planning proposed anethnographic research project atone of our first research speeddating events in 2014 James is amedical anthropologist and muchof her work is focused on healthsocial and economic inequalities In attendance was DennisMcLaughlin HM King BhumibolProfessor of Civil andEnvironmental Engineering Hewas interested in her approach and the two discussed how they might develop a collaborative seedgrant proposal What emerged was a 2015shyfunded project that explores ways to increase foodproduction by closing yield gaps in developing countries with a focus on India and Haiti The teamproposed combining ethnography and hydrology to develop a more comprehensive multidisciplinaryunderstanding of the challenges facing smallholder farmers in these countries Their goal is to develop aset of practical recommendations for improving yields at target sites The impact of this collaboration on each otherrsquos practice has proved to be profound James shared thisexample ldquothis research opportunity opened a whole new dimension of looking at my work Irsquom muchmore sensitive to how to interpret the environment Had this collaboration not happened I donrsquot think Iwould ever have thought about groundwater as something that is social as well as materialrdquo McLaughlinadds ldquohaving learned from Erica about ethnography and qualitative research my student AnjuliFigueroa Jain went to India to collect conventional hydrologic datahellip but with a new sensitivity to howsocial elements factored into this data like family organization and genderrdquo This new awarenessilluminated gaps in their understanding that hadnrsquot been apparent before In McLaughlinrsquos opinion theinterdisciplinary approach that he and James have taken addresses an important problem often found instraight science and engineering approaches to global challenges When students arenrsquot exposed todiscussions about social or cultural aspects of an issue there can be a disconnect between theirproposed solutions and the onshytheshyground reality This affects among other things technology adoptionand change ldquoThatrsquos why this multidisciplinary approach has a lot of longshyterm relevance for theengineering fieldrdquo observed McLaughlin Launching a major research initiative Three operations management professors at the Sloan School of Management Retsef Levi YanchongZheng and Tauhid Zaman had already been working as a team to tackle food systems challenges froma supply chain perspective when they applied for a seed grant in 2015 Prior to 2015 their focus was onfood safety issues in the US the JshyWAFS seed grant fueled a global approach This twoshyyear grantsupported the team to develop a datashydriven understanding of how the structure and dynamics offarming and global shipping supply chains impact food security and food safety in order to evaluate riskand inform solutions Their seed grantshyfunded research results have attracted over $10M in followshyonfunds to further develop this work in India and China ldquoJshyWAFS seed money creates an ecosystem ofpeople working on water and foodrdquo says Levi ldquoitrsquos been so helpful for us and we are very gratefulrdquo These few examples of how JshyWAFS seed grants have influenced our faculty PIs provide a snapshot ofthe range of ways these seed grants are promoting new research directions and collaborations andhelping to bring new funding sources to the water and food research community at MIT Our goal is tofuel an ecosystem of water and food systems research at MIT that is strengthened by this variety ofmultishydisciplinary topics and approaches The variety is necessary to meet the global water and food
challenges of our time In Professor Manthiramrsquos words ldquothefact that JshyWAFS is invested in a diverse set of visions in waterand food security is reflective of the boldness of this initiativerdquo May we live up to this claim in our efforts now and in years tocome Images
Top right Karthish Manthiram Warren K Lewis Career Development
Professor in Chemical Engineering
Middle left Martin Polz Professor Department of Civil and Environmental
Engineering discussing research with a student
Middle right Erica James Associate Professor of Medical Anthropology
and Urban Studies Department of Urban Studies and Planning and James
McLaughlin HM King Bhumibol Professor of Civil and Environmental
Engineering talk with Chandra Madramootoo JshyWAFS visiting scholar and
professor of bioresource engineering McGill University
Bottom left Retsef Levi J Spencer Standish (1945) Professor of
Management Sloan School of Management (top) and Yanchong (Karen)
Zheng Sloan School Career Development Professor (bottom)
MIT News Opportunities amp Water and Food Events
MIT Students Awarded at IDEA 2017
Two MIT students won awards atthe International Desalination Association(IDA) World Congress on Water Reuse andDesalination in Satildeo Paulo Brazil last month Mechanical engineering masters studentSahil Sah received the BestPresentation award for the paper OptimalDesign of a Batch Electrodialysis System forDomestic Desalination
Steven Lam (SB12) received the IDA Young Leaders Award During his time at MIT Lams thesis wasfocused on the invention of the now commercialized multistage bubble column dehumidifier He alongwith other MIT mechanical engineering alumni helped to create Gradiant Corporation which makescarrier gas extraction desalination systems
2017 MIT Water Summit The Water-Food Nexus
Early this week 27 presenters from aroundthe world gathered for the annual MIT WaterSummit This year the Summit organized bythe MIT Water Club was focused on thetheme of the watershyfood nexus The twoshydayevent included panels keynotes and otheropportunities for students faculty membersof industry and others to discuss theinterconnected nature of water and foodsystems Stay tuned for more detailed coverage of theevent in our December newsletter and visitthe website for additional details
Exhibition on Big Data Opens at MIT Includes Work by J-WAFS Staff
The art and design exhibition Big Bang Dataopened at the MIT Museum last month Theexhibit showcases international projects thatexplore how the generation andinterpretation of data is transforming society Included in the show are recent MIT researchprojects on water climate and social justiceincluding one produced by JshyWAFScommunications and program manager AndiSutton The piece Boston Coastline FuturePast is a walking data visualization that
considers the past and future of the coastal city of Boston through climate projections and rising seas The exhibition is open to the public and on view through March 30th 2018
Rabobank-MIT Food and Agribusiness Innovation PrizeKickoff Dinner The kickoff dinner for this years RabobankshyMIT Foodand Agribusiness Innovation Prize will be on Nov 9that MIT Attendees can learn about the challenges infood and agribusiness from the perspective ofprominent leaders and entrepreneurs hear innovativeideas for improving the food and agriculture industryand network with likeshyminded individuals The event isopen to students faculty and industry professionals Teams submitting to the prize must include two tofive members at least half of whom must be current graduate andor undergraduate students from anyUSshybased school When November 9th 6 PM Where Sloan School of Management E62shy233 (2nd Floor) More info and registration
Research Assistants Needed for Climate Changed Climate Changed a studentshyled initiative coshysponsored by the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative andSA+P is seeking 1shy2 research assistants to assist the Climate Changed Ideas Competition exhibitionand symposium This is a 5shy10 hourweek position RAs are sought for the fall and spring semesters Toapply send a resume and letteremail of interest to Jessica Varner (varnerjmitedu) and Irmak Turan(ituranmitedu) This is an opportunity for MIT community members only
Boston‑area Water and Food Events
Learn About Water Innovations in Developing Countrieswith NEWIN Join the Northeast Water Innovation Network (NEWIN) for their November water pitch night which willfocus on water innovation opportunities in developing countries Diana Yousef CEO of changeWater Labs a winner of the 2017 MIT Water Innovation Prize will present on the work of hercompany She will be joined by three other leading water innovators from the region to share theirsolutions The event will feature a keynote by Wole Soboyejo who will discuss his experiencesdeveloping ceramic filtration systems for African communities When November 16th 530 shy 8 PM Where BeCause Water 50 Milk Street Boston MA More info and registration Open to the public
Register for the Community Food Systems Conference Sign up for the New Entry Sustainable Farming Projects Community Food Systems Conference athreeshyday event that focuses food security social justice and sustainable agriculture in urban and ruralsettings With a focus on fostering community empowerment the event features panels speakers andtours that address ways to create and sustain resilient local food systems from a variety of perspectives When December 5th shy December 7th Where Park Plaza Hotel 50 Park Plaza Boston MA More info and registration Open to the public
Funding and Other Opportunities
Announcing the NASA RASC-AL Mars Ice Challenge NASA and the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA) are pleased to announce the return of the RASCshyALSpecial Edition Mars Ice Challenge 2018 Through the Mars Ice Challenge NASA provides universityshylevel engineering students with the opportunity to design build and test prototype systems capable ofextracting water from simulated Martian subsurface ice The project submission deadline has beenextended to November 16th Desalination is a particular area of interest Selected teams will be invited to demo their project over a twoshyday period in June 2018 Visit the MarsIce Challenge website for deadlines and submission information This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Submit to the Food+City Challenge Prize at SXSW Food+City announced its call for submissions to the fourth annual Food+City Challenge Prize at Southby Southwest Awards total $25000 for innovations that tackle food supply chain issues across theglobe In addition to the cash award finalists will be paired with industry expert mentors who will helpstrengthen their businesses over a three month period and will have the opportunity to attend SXSWInteractive in 2018 Visit the website for submission information Submissions will be accepted untilNovember 18th 2017 This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
World Resources Institute seeks GIS and Data intern The World Resources Institute seeks an intern for its Aqueduct Project which helps conduct geospatialanalysis of global water risks and provide technical and analytical support for private sectorengagement This is a threeshymonth paid internship from NovemberDecember 2017 shyJanuaryFebruary 2018 Visit the website for more information This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
US Department of Energy Funding for Solar DesalinationProjects The US Department of Energy (DOE) seeks applicants to fund applied scientific research that developsnovel technologies or concepts that use solar thermal energy to assist in the desalination processincrease the energy efficiency for thermal desalination and reduce costs for this process Visit the DOEwebsite for submission information Concept paper deadline is December 4th 2017 the fullapplication is due March 16th 2018 This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Submit to Elementa Science of the Anthropocene Elementa Science of the Anthropocene seeks submissions for an upcoming issue on the food energyand water systems nexus This publication is a transshydisciplinary openshyaccess journal committed to thefacilitation of collaborative peershyreviewed research The journal seeks submissions in six areasatmospheric science earth and environmental science ecology ocean science sustainableengineering and sustainability transitions Papers are invited from researchers educators practitionersand policy makers that examine food energy and water systems from biological chemical physicalsocial economic environmental technological and pedagogical perspectives More information This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Call for Community Input Science Breakthroughs in Foodand Agriculture Throughout the next six months the National Academies of Sciences Engineering and MedicinesScience Breakthroughs 2030 will explore new scientific approaches and ideas in food and agriculture Individuals can share ideas insights and tools via the projects website After collecting input the studycommittee will produce a report describing ambitious and achievable scientific pathways to addressproblems and opportunities in the food and agriculture system More information and idea submission This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Submit to the 2018 Water Young Investigator Award Young researchers (under 35) are encouraged to share research that makes a significant contribution tothe advancement of the water resources research field for an award that provides funding and publishingsupport More information and idea submission This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
King Hassan II Great World Water Prize Submit to the King Hassan II Great World Water Prize a prize for excellence or innovation incooperation and management in the development and use of water resources The prize will beawarded at the 8th World Water Forum in Brasilia Brazil March 18 shy 23 2018 Submission deadlineNovember 30th More information and idea submission This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Call for Papers International Conference on WaterEnvironment Energy and Society (ICWEES 2018) Submit a paper to the ICWEES 2018 The conference covers water resources environment energysocieties and development geoshyinformation and remote sensing and more More information and
abstract submission This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Are you interested in supporting J-WAFS
Financial support from foundations companies alumni and friends provides valuable resources todevelop sustain and enhance the impact of JshyWAFS activities When you make a gift you are makingan investment in both the future of JshyWAFS and our Instituteshywide work to improve the productivityaccessibility and sustainability of the worldrsquos water and food systems
For more information about sponsorship opportunities contact
Renee Robins
Executive Director JshyWAFS rrobinsmitedu or (617) 324shy6726
or
donate online
Copyright copy 2017 MIT Abdul Latif Jameel Water and Food Systems Lab All rights reserved
Want to change how you receive these emails You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list
nitrogen from air water and sunlight into ammonia to be added to soil to promote plant growth Thiscreative application of his research is now the project upon which he is building his lab at MIT The availability of resources sometimes guides research as was the case for professor Manthiram Seed grants in particular can be transformational Professor Manthiramrsquos story is one of many that JshyWAFS PIs have shared about the impact of our funding As we gear up to distribute our annual seedgrant request for proposals this month we highlight several more examples that illustrate how influentialJshyWAFS seed funding has already been Catalyzing the unexpected
Seed funding can sparkunexpected research directionseven for faculty who are moreestablished in their careers Civiland environmental engineeringprofessor Martin Polz devotes hisresearch to the environmentalinfluences on microbial populationsand how these influences affectgenomic diversity and adaptation Before receiving a seed grant in2016 his lab focused on howviruses function as microbepredators in marine environments He had not planned to apply thiswork to food supply issues though
two wellshytimed factors contributed to a change in direction First Polz made a connection withFrederique Le Roux at the Statione Biologique de Roscoff in France who was interested in collaboratingto find a solution to oyster pathogen problems in aquaculture Second JshyWAFS distributed a seed grantRFP ldquoIt was the kind of situation where we had all the necessary data but didnrsquot plan on addressing[oyster aquaculture] in an immediate mannerrdquo Polz recalled ldquoThe seed grant was fortuitous andallowed us to apply our research to this new directionrdquo Transforming research practice Erica James then an associateprofessor of anthropology at MITand now an associate professor ofmedical anthropology and urbanstudies in the Department of UrbanStudies and Planning proposed anethnographic research project atone of our first research speeddating events in 2014 James is amedical anthropologist and muchof her work is focused on healthsocial and economic inequalities In attendance was DennisMcLaughlin HM King BhumibolProfessor of Civil andEnvironmental Engineering Hewas interested in her approach and the two discussed how they might develop a collaborative seedgrant proposal What emerged was a 2015shyfunded project that explores ways to increase foodproduction by closing yield gaps in developing countries with a focus on India and Haiti The teamproposed combining ethnography and hydrology to develop a more comprehensive multidisciplinaryunderstanding of the challenges facing smallholder farmers in these countries Their goal is to develop aset of practical recommendations for improving yields at target sites The impact of this collaboration on each otherrsquos practice has proved to be profound James shared thisexample ldquothis research opportunity opened a whole new dimension of looking at my work Irsquom muchmore sensitive to how to interpret the environment Had this collaboration not happened I donrsquot think Iwould ever have thought about groundwater as something that is social as well as materialrdquo McLaughlinadds ldquohaving learned from Erica about ethnography and qualitative research my student AnjuliFigueroa Jain went to India to collect conventional hydrologic datahellip but with a new sensitivity to howsocial elements factored into this data like family organization and genderrdquo This new awarenessilluminated gaps in their understanding that hadnrsquot been apparent before In McLaughlinrsquos opinion theinterdisciplinary approach that he and James have taken addresses an important problem often found instraight science and engineering approaches to global challenges When students arenrsquot exposed todiscussions about social or cultural aspects of an issue there can be a disconnect between theirproposed solutions and the onshytheshyground reality This affects among other things technology adoptionand change ldquoThatrsquos why this multidisciplinary approach has a lot of longshyterm relevance for theengineering fieldrdquo observed McLaughlin Launching a major research initiative Three operations management professors at the Sloan School of Management Retsef Levi YanchongZheng and Tauhid Zaman had already been working as a team to tackle food systems challenges froma supply chain perspective when they applied for a seed grant in 2015 Prior to 2015 their focus was onfood safety issues in the US the JshyWAFS seed grant fueled a global approach This twoshyyear grantsupported the team to develop a datashydriven understanding of how the structure and dynamics offarming and global shipping supply chains impact food security and food safety in order to evaluate riskand inform solutions Their seed grantshyfunded research results have attracted over $10M in followshyonfunds to further develop this work in India and China ldquoJshyWAFS seed money creates an ecosystem ofpeople working on water and foodrdquo says Levi ldquoitrsquos been so helpful for us and we are very gratefulrdquo These few examples of how JshyWAFS seed grants have influenced our faculty PIs provide a snapshot ofthe range of ways these seed grants are promoting new research directions and collaborations andhelping to bring new funding sources to the water and food research community at MIT Our goal is tofuel an ecosystem of water and food systems research at MIT that is strengthened by this variety ofmultishydisciplinary topics and approaches The variety is necessary to meet the global water and food
challenges of our time In Professor Manthiramrsquos words ldquothefact that JshyWAFS is invested in a diverse set of visions in waterand food security is reflective of the boldness of this initiativerdquo May we live up to this claim in our efforts now and in years tocome Images
Top right Karthish Manthiram Warren K Lewis Career Development
Professor in Chemical Engineering
Middle left Martin Polz Professor Department of Civil and Environmental
Engineering discussing research with a student
Middle right Erica James Associate Professor of Medical Anthropology
and Urban Studies Department of Urban Studies and Planning and James
McLaughlin HM King Bhumibol Professor of Civil and Environmental
Engineering talk with Chandra Madramootoo JshyWAFS visiting scholar and
professor of bioresource engineering McGill University
Bottom left Retsef Levi J Spencer Standish (1945) Professor of
Management Sloan School of Management (top) and Yanchong (Karen)
Zheng Sloan School Career Development Professor (bottom)
MIT News Opportunities amp Water and Food Events
MIT Students Awarded at IDEA 2017
Two MIT students won awards atthe International Desalination Association(IDA) World Congress on Water Reuse andDesalination in Satildeo Paulo Brazil last month Mechanical engineering masters studentSahil Sah received the BestPresentation award for the paper OptimalDesign of a Batch Electrodialysis System forDomestic Desalination
Steven Lam (SB12) received the IDA Young Leaders Award During his time at MIT Lams thesis wasfocused on the invention of the now commercialized multistage bubble column dehumidifier He alongwith other MIT mechanical engineering alumni helped to create Gradiant Corporation which makescarrier gas extraction desalination systems
2017 MIT Water Summit The Water-Food Nexus
Early this week 27 presenters from aroundthe world gathered for the annual MIT WaterSummit This year the Summit organized bythe MIT Water Club was focused on thetheme of the watershyfood nexus The twoshydayevent included panels keynotes and otheropportunities for students faculty membersof industry and others to discuss theinterconnected nature of water and foodsystems Stay tuned for more detailed coverage of theevent in our December newsletter and visitthe website for additional details
Exhibition on Big Data Opens at MIT Includes Work by J-WAFS Staff
The art and design exhibition Big Bang Dataopened at the MIT Museum last month Theexhibit showcases international projects thatexplore how the generation andinterpretation of data is transforming society Included in the show are recent MIT researchprojects on water climate and social justiceincluding one produced by JshyWAFScommunications and program manager AndiSutton The piece Boston Coastline FuturePast is a walking data visualization that
considers the past and future of the coastal city of Boston through climate projections and rising seas The exhibition is open to the public and on view through March 30th 2018
Rabobank-MIT Food and Agribusiness Innovation PrizeKickoff Dinner The kickoff dinner for this years RabobankshyMIT Foodand Agribusiness Innovation Prize will be on Nov 9that MIT Attendees can learn about the challenges infood and agribusiness from the perspective ofprominent leaders and entrepreneurs hear innovativeideas for improving the food and agriculture industryand network with likeshyminded individuals The event isopen to students faculty and industry professionals Teams submitting to the prize must include two tofive members at least half of whom must be current graduate andor undergraduate students from anyUSshybased school When November 9th 6 PM Where Sloan School of Management E62shy233 (2nd Floor) More info and registration
Research Assistants Needed for Climate Changed Climate Changed a studentshyled initiative coshysponsored by the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative andSA+P is seeking 1shy2 research assistants to assist the Climate Changed Ideas Competition exhibitionand symposium This is a 5shy10 hourweek position RAs are sought for the fall and spring semesters Toapply send a resume and letteremail of interest to Jessica Varner (varnerjmitedu) and Irmak Turan(ituranmitedu) This is an opportunity for MIT community members only
Boston‑area Water and Food Events
Learn About Water Innovations in Developing Countrieswith NEWIN Join the Northeast Water Innovation Network (NEWIN) for their November water pitch night which willfocus on water innovation opportunities in developing countries Diana Yousef CEO of changeWater Labs a winner of the 2017 MIT Water Innovation Prize will present on the work of hercompany She will be joined by three other leading water innovators from the region to share theirsolutions The event will feature a keynote by Wole Soboyejo who will discuss his experiencesdeveloping ceramic filtration systems for African communities When November 16th 530 shy 8 PM Where BeCause Water 50 Milk Street Boston MA More info and registration Open to the public
Register for the Community Food Systems Conference Sign up for the New Entry Sustainable Farming Projects Community Food Systems Conference athreeshyday event that focuses food security social justice and sustainable agriculture in urban and ruralsettings With a focus on fostering community empowerment the event features panels speakers andtours that address ways to create and sustain resilient local food systems from a variety of perspectives When December 5th shy December 7th Where Park Plaza Hotel 50 Park Plaza Boston MA More info and registration Open to the public
Funding and Other Opportunities
Announcing the NASA RASC-AL Mars Ice Challenge NASA and the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA) are pleased to announce the return of the RASCshyALSpecial Edition Mars Ice Challenge 2018 Through the Mars Ice Challenge NASA provides universityshylevel engineering students with the opportunity to design build and test prototype systems capable ofextracting water from simulated Martian subsurface ice The project submission deadline has beenextended to November 16th Desalination is a particular area of interest Selected teams will be invited to demo their project over a twoshyday period in June 2018 Visit the MarsIce Challenge website for deadlines and submission information This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Submit to the Food+City Challenge Prize at SXSW Food+City announced its call for submissions to the fourth annual Food+City Challenge Prize at Southby Southwest Awards total $25000 for innovations that tackle food supply chain issues across theglobe In addition to the cash award finalists will be paired with industry expert mentors who will helpstrengthen their businesses over a three month period and will have the opportunity to attend SXSWInteractive in 2018 Visit the website for submission information Submissions will be accepted untilNovember 18th 2017 This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
World Resources Institute seeks GIS and Data intern The World Resources Institute seeks an intern for its Aqueduct Project which helps conduct geospatialanalysis of global water risks and provide technical and analytical support for private sectorengagement This is a threeshymonth paid internship from NovemberDecember 2017 shyJanuaryFebruary 2018 Visit the website for more information This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
US Department of Energy Funding for Solar DesalinationProjects The US Department of Energy (DOE) seeks applicants to fund applied scientific research that developsnovel technologies or concepts that use solar thermal energy to assist in the desalination processincrease the energy efficiency for thermal desalination and reduce costs for this process Visit the DOEwebsite for submission information Concept paper deadline is December 4th 2017 the fullapplication is due March 16th 2018 This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Submit to Elementa Science of the Anthropocene Elementa Science of the Anthropocene seeks submissions for an upcoming issue on the food energyand water systems nexus This publication is a transshydisciplinary openshyaccess journal committed to thefacilitation of collaborative peershyreviewed research The journal seeks submissions in six areasatmospheric science earth and environmental science ecology ocean science sustainableengineering and sustainability transitions Papers are invited from researchers educators practitionersand policy makers that examine food energy and water systems from biological chemical physicalsocial economic environmental technological and pedagogical perspectives More information This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Call for Community Input Science Breakthroughs in Foodand Agriculture Throughout the next six months the National Academies of Sciences Engineering and MedicinesScience Breakthroughs 2030 will explore new scientific approaches and ideas in food and agriculture Individuals can share ideas insights and tools via the projects website After collecting input the studycommittee will produce a report describing ambitious and achievable scientific pathways to addressproblems and opportunities in the food and agriculture system More information and idea submission This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Submit to the 2018 Water Young Investigator Award Young researchers (under 35) are encouraged to share research that makes a significant contribution tothe advancement of the water resources research field for an award that provides funding and publishingsupport More information and idea submission This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
King Hassan II Great World Water Prize Submit to the King Hassan II Great World Water Prize a prize for excellence or innovation incooperation and management in the development and use of water resources The prize will beawarded at the 8th World Water Forum in Brasilia Brazil March 18 shy 23 2018 Submission deadlineNovember 30th More information and idea submission This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Call for Papers International Conference on WaterEnvironment Energy and Society (ICWEES 2018) Submit a paper to the ICWEES 2018 The conference covers water resources environment energysocieties and development geoshyinformation and remote sensing and more More information and
abstract submission This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Are you interested in supporting J-WAFS
Financial support from foundations companies alumni and friends provides valuable resources todevelop sustain and enhance the impact of JshyWAFS activities When you make a gift you are makingan investment in both the future of JshyWAFS and our Instituteshywide work to improve the productivityaccessibility and sustainability of the worldrsquos water and food systems
For more information about sponsorship opportunities contact
Renee Robins
Executive Director JshyWAFS rrobinsmitedu or (617) 324shy6726
or
donate online
Copyright copy 2017 MIT Abdul Latif Jameel Water and Food Systems Lab All rights reserved
Want to change how you receive these emails You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list
challenges of our time In Professor Manthiramrsquos words ldquothefact that JshyWAFS is invested in a diverse set of visions in waterand food security is reflective of the boldness of this initiativerdquo May we live up to this claim in our efforts now and in years tocome Images
Top right Karthish Manthiram Warren K Lewis Career Development
Professor in Chemical Engineering
Middle left Martin Polz Professor Department of Civil and Environmental
Engineering discussing research with a student
Middle right Erica James Associate Professor of Medical Anthropology
and Urban Studies Department of Urban Studies and Planning and James
McLaughlin HM King Bhumibol Professor of Civil and Environmental
Engineering talk with Chandra Madramootoo JshyWAFS visiting scholar and
professor of bioresource engineering McGill University
Bottom left Retsef Levi J Spencer Standish (1945) Professor of
Management Sloan School of Management (top) and Yanchong (Karen)
Zheng Sloan School Career Development Professor (bottom)
MIT News Opportunities amp Water and Food Events
MIT Students Awarded at IDEA 2017
Two MIT students won awards atthe International Desalination Association(IDA) World Congress on Water Reuse andDesalination in Satildeo Paulo Brazil last month Mechanical engineering masters studentSahil Sah received the BestPresentation award for the paper OptimalDesign of a Batch Electrodialysis System forDomestic Desalination
Steven Lam (SB12) received the IDA Young Leaders Award During his time at MIT Lams thesis wasfocused on the invention of the now commercialized multistage bubble column dehumidifier He alongwith other MIT mechanical engineering alumni helped to create Gradiant Corporation which makescarrier gas extraction desalination systems
2017 MIT Water Summit The Water-Food Nexus
Early this week 27 presenters from aroundthe world gathered for the annual MIT WaterSummit This year the Summit organized bythe MIT Water Club was focused on thetheme of the watershyfood nexus The twoshydayevent included panels keynotes and otheropportunities for students faculty membersof industry and others to discuss theinterconnected nature of water and foodsystems Stay tuned for more detailed coverage of theevent in our December newsletter and visitthe website for additional details
Exhibition on Big Data Opens at MIT Includes Work by J-WAFS Staff
The art and design exhibition Big Bang Dataopened at the MIT Museum last month Theexhibit showcases international projects thatexplore how the generation andinterpretation of data is transforming society Included in the show are recent MIT researchprojects on water climate and social justiceincluding one produced by JshyWAFScommunications and program manager AndiSutton The piece Boston Coastline FuturePast is a walking data visualization that
considers the past and future of the coastal city of Boston through climate projections and rising seas The exhibition is open to the public and on view through March 30th 2018
Rabobank-MIT Food and Agribusiness Innovation PrizeKickoff Dinner The kickoff dinner for this years RabobankshyMIT Foodand Agribusiness Innovation Prize will be on Nov 9that MIT Attendees can learn about the challenges infood and agribusiness from the perspective ofprominent leaders and entrepreneurs hear innovativeideas for improving the food and agriculture industryand network with likeshyminded individuals The event isopen to students faculty and industry professionals Teams submitting to the prize must include two tofive members at least half of whom must be current graduate andor undergraduate students from anyUSshybased school When November 9th 6 PM Where Sloan School of Management E62shy233 (2nd Floor) More info and registration
Research Assistants Needed for Climate Changed Climate Changed a studentshyled initiative coshysponsored by the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative andSA+P is seeking 1shy2 research assistants to assist the Climate Changed Ideas Competition exhibitionand symposium This is a 5shy10 hourweek position RAs are sought for the fall and spring semesters Toapply send a resume and letteremail of interest to Jessica Varner (varnerjmitedu) and Irmak Turan(ituranmitedu) This is an opportunity for MIT community members only
Boston‑area Water and Food Events
Learn About Water Innovations in Developing Countrieswith NEWIN Join the Northeast Water Innovation Network (NEWIN) for their November water pitch night which willfocus on water innovation opportunities in developing countries Diana Yousef CEO of changeWater Labs a winner of the 2017 MIT Water Innovation Prize will present on the work of hercompany She will be joined by three other leading water innovators from the region to share theirsolutions The event will feature a keynote by Wole Soboyejo who will discuss his experiencesdeveloping ceramic filtration systems for African communities When November 16th 530 shy 8 PM Where BeCause Water 50 Milk Street Boston MA More info and registration Open to the public
Register for the Community Food Systems Conference Sign up for the New Entry Sustainable Farming Projects Community Food Systems Conference athreeshyday event that focuses food security social justice and sustainable agriculture in urban and ruralsettings With a focus on fostering community empowerment the event features panels speakers andtours that address ways to create and sustain resilient local food systems from a variety of perspectives When December 5th shy December 7th Where Park Plaza Hotel 50 Park Plaza Boston MA More info and registration Open to the public
Funding and Other Opportunities
Announcing the NASA RASC-AL Mars Ice Challenge NASA and the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA) are pleased to announce the return of the RASCshyALSpecial Edition Mars Ice Challenge 2018 Through the Mars Ice Challenge NASA provides universityshylevel engineering students with the opportunity to design build and test prototype systems capable ofextracting water from simulated Martian subsurface ice The project submission deadline has beenextended to November 16th Desalination is a particular area of interest Selected teams will be invited to demo their project over a twoshyday period in June 2018 Visit the MarsIce Challenge website for deadlines and submission information This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Submit to the Food+City Challenge Prize at SXSW Food+City announced its call for submissions to the fourth annual Food+City Challenge Prize at Southby Southwest Awards total $25000 for innovations that tackle food supply chain issues across theglobe In addition to the cash award finalists will be paired with industry expert mentors who will helpstrengthen their businesses over a three month period and will have the opportunity to attend SXSWInteractive in 2018 Visit the website for submission information Submissions will be accepted untilNovember 18th 2017 This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
World Resources Institute seeks GIS and Data intern The World Resources Institute seeks an intern for its Aqueduct Project which helps conduct geospatialanalysis of global water risks and provide technical and analytical support for private sectorengagement This is a threeshymonth paid internship from NovemberDecember 2017 shyJanuaryFebruary 2018 Visit the website for more information This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
US Department of Energy Funding for Solar DesalinationProjects The US Department of Energy (DOE) seeks applicants to fund applied scientific research that developsnovel technologies or concepts that use solar thermal energy to assist in the desalination processincrease the energy efficiency for thermal desalination and reduce costs for this process Visit the DOEwebsite for submission information Concept paper deadline is December 4th 2017 the fullapplication is due March 16th 2018 This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Submit to Elementa Science of the Anthropocene Elementa Science of the Anthropocene seeks submissions for an upcoming issue on the food energyand water systems nexus This publication is a transshydisciplinary openshyaccess journal committed to thefacilitation of collaborative peershyreviewed research The journal seeks submissions in six areasatmospheric science earth and environmental science ecology ocean science sustainableengineering and sustainability transitions Papers are invited from researchers educators practitionersand policy makers that examine food energy and water systems from biological chemical physicalsocial economic environmental technological and pedagogical perspectives More information This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Call for Community Input Science Breakthroughs in Foodand Agriculture Throughout the next six months the National Academies of Sciences Engineering and MedicinesScience Breakthroughs 2030 will explore new scientific approaches and ideas in food and agriculture Individuals can share ideas insights and tools via the projects website After collecting input the studycommittee will produce a report describing ambitious and achievable scientific pathways to addressproblems and opportunities in the food and agriculture system More information and idea submission This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Submit to the 2018 Water Young Investigator Award Young researchers (under 35) are encouraged to share research that makes a significant contribution tothe advancement of the water resources research field for an award that provides funding and publishingsupport More information and idea submission This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
King Hassan II Great World Water Prize Submit to the King Hassan II Great World Water Prize a prize for excellence or innovation incooperation and management in the development and use of water resources The prize will beawarded at the 8th World Water Forum in Brasilia Brazil March 18 shy 23 2018 Submission deadlineNovember 30th More information and idea submission This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Call for Papers International Conference on WaterEnvironment Energy and Society (ICWEES 2018) Submit a paper to the ICWEES 2018 The conference covers water resources environment energysocieties and development geoshyinformation and remote sensing and more More information and
abstract submission This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Are you interested in supporting J-WAFS
Financial support from foundations companies alumni and friends provides valuable resources todevelop sustain and enhance the impact of JshyWAFS activities When you make a gift you are makingan investment in both the future of JshyWAFS and our Instituteshywide work to improve the productivityaccessibility and sustainability of the worldrsquos water and food systems
For more information about sponsorship opportunities contact
Renee Robins
Executive Director JshyWAFS rrobinsmitedu or (617) 324shy6726
or
donate online
Copyright copy 2017 MIT Abdul Latif Jameel Water and Food Systems Lab All rights reserved
Want to change how you receive these emails You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list
Rabobank-MIT Food and Agribusiness Innovation PrizeKickoff Dinner The kickoff dinner for this years RabobankshyMIT Foodand Agribusiness Innovation Prize will be on Nov 9that MIT Attendees can learn about the challenges infood and agribusiness from the perspective ofprominent leaders and entrepreneurs hear innovativeideas for improving the food and agriculture industryand network with likeshyminded individuals The event isopen to students faculty and industry professionals Teams submitting to the prize must include two tofive members at least half of whom must be current graduate andor undergraduate students from anyUSshybased school When November 9th 6 PM Where Sloan School of Management E62shy233 (2nd Floor) More info and registration
Research Assistants Needed for Climate Changed Climate Changed a studentshyled initiative coshysponsored by the MIT Environmental Solutions Initiative andSA+P is seeking 1shy2 research assistants to assist the Climate Changed Ideas Competition exhibitionand symposium This is a 5shy10 hourweek position RAs are sought for the fall and spring semesters Toapply send a resume and letteremail of interest to Jessica Varner (varnerjmitedu) and Irmak Turan(ituranmitedu) This is an opportunity for MIT community members only
Boston‑area Water and Food Events
Learn About Water Innovations in Developing Countrieswith NEWIN Join the Northeast Water Innovation Network (NEWIN) for their November water pitch night which willfocus on water innovation opportunities in developing countries Diana Yousef CEO of changeWater Labs a winner of the 2017 MIT Water Innovation Prize will present on the work of hercompany She will be joined by three other leading water innovators from the region to share theirsolutions The event will feature a keynote by Wole Soboyejo who will discuss his experiencesdeveloping ceramic filtration systems for African communities When November 16th 530 shy 8 PM Where BeCause Water 50 Milk Street Boston MA More info and registration Open to the public
Register for the Community Food Systems Conference Sign up for the New Entry Sustainable Farming Projects Community Food Systems Conference athreeshyday event that focuses food security social justice and sustainable agriculture in urban and ruralsettings With a focus on fostering community empowerment the event features panels speakers andtours that address ways to create and sustain resilient local food systems from a variety of perspectives When December 5th shy December 7th Where Park Plaza Hotel 50 Park Plaza Boston MA More info and registration Open to the public
Funding and Other Opportunities
Announcing the NASA RASC-AL Mars Ice Challenge NASA and the National Institute of Aerospace (NIA) are pleased to announce the return of the RASCshyALSpecial Edition Mars Ice Challenge 2018 Through the Mars Ice Challenge NASA provides universityshylevel engineering students with the opportunity to design build and test prototype systems capable ofextracting water from simulated Martian subsurface ice The project submission deadline has beenextended to November 16th Desalination is a particular area of interest Selected teams will be invited to demo their project over a twoshyday period in June 2018 Visit the MarsIce Challenge website for deadlines and submission information This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Submit to the Food+City Challenge Prize at SXSW Food+City announced its call for submissions to the fourth annual Food+City Challenge Prize at Southby Southwest Awards total $25000 for innovations that tackle food supply chain issues across theglobe In addition to the cash award finalists will be paired with industry expert mentors who will helpstrengthen their businesses over a three month period and will have the opportunity to attend SXSWInteractive in 2018 Visit the website for submission information Submissions will be accepted untilNovember 18th 2017 This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
World Resources Institute seeks GIS and Data intern The World Resources Institute seeks an intern for its Aqueduct Project which helps conduct geospatialanalysis of global water risks and provide technical and analytical support for private sectorengagement This is a threeshymonth paid internship from NovemberDecember 2017 shyJanuaryFebruary 2018 Visit the website for more information This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
US Department of Energy Funding for Solar DesalinationProjects The US Department of Energy (DOE) seeks applicants to fund applied scientific research that developsnovel technologies or concepts that use solar thermal energy to assist in the desalination processincrease the energy efficiency for thermal desalination and reduce costs for this process Visit the DOEwebsite for submission information Concept paper deadline is December 4th 2017 the fullapplication is due March 16th 2018 This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Submit to Elementa Science of the Anthropocene Elementa Science of the Anthropocene seeks submissions for an upcoming issue on the food energyand water systems nexus This publication is a transshydisciplinary openshyaccess journal committed to thefacilitation of collaborative peershyreviewed research The journal seeks submissions in six areasatmospheric science earth and environmental science ecology ocean science sustainableengineering and sustainability transitions Papers are invited from researchers educators practitionersand policy makers that examine food energy and water systems from biological chemical physicalsocial economic environmental technological and pedagogical perspectives More information This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Call for Community Input Science Breakthroughs in Foodand Agriculture Throughout the next six months the National Academies of Sciences Engineering and MedicinesScience Breakthroughs 2030 will explore new scientific approaches and ideas in food and agriculture Individuals can share ideas insights and tools via the projects website After collecting input the studycommittee will produce a report describing ambitious and achievable scientific pathways to addressproblems and opportunities in the food and agriculture system More information and idea submission This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Submit to the 2018 Water Young Investigator Award Young researchers (under 35) are encouraged to share research that makes a significant contribution tothe advancement of the water resources research field for an award that provides funding and publishingsupport More information and idea submission This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
King Hassan II Great World Water Prize Submit to the King Hassan II Great World Water Prize a prize for excellence or innovation incooperation and management in the development and use of water resources The prize will beawarded at the 8th World Water Forum in Brasilia Brazil March 18 shy 23 2018 Submission deadlineNovember 30th More information and idea submission This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Call for Papers International Conference on WaterEnvironment Energy and Society (ICWEES 2018) Submit a paper to the ICWEES 2018 The conference covers water resources environment energysocieties and development geoshyinformation and remote sensing and more More information and
abstract submission This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Are you interested in supporting J-WAFS
Financial support from foundations companies alumni and friends provides valuable resources todevelop sustain and enhance the impact of JshyWAFS activities When you make a gift you are makingan investment in both the future of JshyWAFS and our Instituteshywide work to improve the productivityaccessibility and sustainability of the worldrsquos water and food systems
For more information about sponsorship opportunities contact
Renee Robins
Executive Director JshyWAFS rrobinsmitedu or (617) 324shy6726
or
donate online
Copyright copy 2017 MIT Abdul Latif Jameel Water and Food Systems Lab All rights reserved
Want to change how you receive these emails You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list
Submit to the Food+City Challenge Prize at SXSW Food+City announced its call for submissions to the fourth annual Food+City Challenge Prize at Southby Southwest Awards total $25000 for innovations that tackle food supply chain issues across theglobe In addition to the cash award finalists will be paired with industry expert mentors who will helpstrengthen their businesses over a three month period and will have the opportunity to attend SXSWInteractive in 2018 Visit the website for submission information Submissions will be accepted untilNovember 18th 2017 This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
World Resources Institute seeks GIS and Data intern The World Resources Institute seeks an intern for its Aqueduct Project which helps conduct geospatialanalysis of global water risks and provide technical and analytical support for private sectorengagement This is a threeshymonth paid internship from NovemberDecember 2017 shyJanuaryFebruary 2018 Visit the website for more information This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
US Department of Energy Funding for Solar DesalinationProjects The US Department of Energy (DOE) seeks applicants to fund applied scientific research that developsnovel technologies or concepts that use solar thermal energy to assist in the desalination processincrease the energy efficiency for thermal desalination and reduce costs for this process Visit the DOEwebsite for submission information Concept paper deadline is December 4th 2017 the fullapplication is due March 16th 2018 This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Submit to Elementa Science of the Anthropocene Elementa Science of the Anthropocene seeks submissions for an upcoming issue on the food energyand water systems nexus This publication is a transshydisciplinary openshyaccess journal committed to thefacilitation of collaborative peershyreviewed research The journal seeks submissions in six areasatmospheric science earth and environmental science ecology ocean science sustainableengineering and sustainability transitions Papers are invited from researchers educators practitionersand policy makers that examine food energy and water systems from biological chemical physicalsocial economic environmental technological and pedagogical perspectives More information This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Call for Community Input Science Breakthroughs in Foodand Agriculture Throughout the next six months the National Academies of Sciences Engineering and MedicinesScience Breakthroughs 2030 will explore new scientific approaches and ideas in food and agriculture Individuals can share ideas insights and tools via the projects website After collecting input the studycommittee will produce a report describing ambitious and achievable scientific pathways to addressproblems and opportunities in the food and agriculture system More information and idea submission This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Submit to the 2018 Water Young Investigator Award Young researchers (under 35) are encouraged to share research that makes a significant contribution tothe advancement of the water resources research field for an award that provides funding and publishingsupport More information and idea submission This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
King Hassan II Great World Water Prize Submit to the King Hassan II Great World Water Prize a prize for excellence or innovation incooperation and management in the development and use of water resources The prize will beawarded at the 8th World Water Forum in Brasilia Brazil March 18 shy 23 2018 Submission deadlineNovember 30th More information and idea submission This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Call for Papers International Conference on WaterEnvironment Energy and Society (ICWEES 2018) Submit a paper to the ICWEES 2018 The conference covers water resources environment energysocieties and development geoshyinformation and remote sensing and more More information and
abstract submission This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Are you interested in supporting J-WAFS
Financial support from foundations companies alumni and friends provides valuable resources todevelop sustain and enhance the impact of JshyWAFS activities When you make a gift you are makingan investment in both the future of JshyWAFS and our Instituteshywide work to improve the productivityaccessibility and sustainability of the worldrsquos water and food systems
For more information about sponsorship opportunities contact
Renee Robins
Executive Director JshyWAFS rrobinsmitedu or (617) 324shy6726
or
donate online
Copyright copy 2017 MIT Abdul Latif Jameel Water and Food Systems Lab All rights reserved
Want to change how you receive these emails You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list
abstract submission This opportunity is open beyond MIT follow link for details
Are you interested in supporting J-WAFS
Financial support from foundations companies alumni and friends provides valuable resources todevelop sustain and enhance the impact of JshyWAFS activities When you make a gift you are makingan investment in both the future of JshyWAFS and our Instituteshywide work to improve the productivityaccessibility and sustainability of the worldrsquos water and food systems
For more information about sponsorship opportunities contact
Renee Robins
Executive Director JshyWAFS rrobinsmitedu or (617) 324shy6726
or
donate online
Copyright copy 2017 MIT Abdul Latif Jameel Water and Food Systems Lab All rights reserved
Want to change how you receive these emails You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list