The International Water Association is the largest internationally focused network of water professionals, spanning the continuum between research and practice and covering all facets of the water cycle.  It has 10,000 individual and approximately 500 corporate members, operating in more than 100 countries worldwide. Through IWA, members collaborate to lead the development of effective and sustainable approaches to water management, with emphasis on the science and management of drinking water, wastewater, storm water and the conservation of water resources throughout the world. The ultimate strength and potential of IWA lies in the professional and geographic diversity of its membership – a ‘mosaic’ of member communities including academic, researchers, and research centres, utilities, consultants, regulators, industrial water users and water equipment manufacturers.  IWA members from each of these communities represent the leading edge in their fields of expertise. IWA has long experience in the coordination of research activities, having a strong track record in facilitating its 45 specialist groups.  Likewise, IWA organizes regular forums for its members, allowing them to network and publish appropriately (every 9 days, IWA organizes a technical event such as a symposium or conference).  IWA has developed a programme of outreach to low and middle income countries, with the expressed desire to allow for the application of members’ expertise and experience in these subject fields.  IWA has a wholly owned publishing subsidiary, with some 60 book titles and 10 academic journals being published annually.

Since they were the largest internationally focussed network of water professionals with emphasis in research and practice issues regarding water and sanitation, they played the role of Work Package leaders of the coordination of research and technology development (WP7) where they helped in the mapping of current research, formation of research clusters and the development of recommendations for future research and technology developments. They also supported task 1.1 (Multidisciplinary criteria for evaluation and classification of peri-urban and rural settlements with no access to improved sanitation) and 3.1 (Existing low cost conventional sanitation options). Jointly with ULeeds, they published at least one article concerning the WP7 (Recommendations for future research and technology developments), and they presented a seminar regarding the recommendations for future research, technology development and cooperation strategies.

Dr. Darren SAYWELL
Address:	International Water Association    Alliance House, 12 Caxton Street London SW 1H 0QS England
Phone:   Fax:   Email:   Website:	+44 207 654 5542    +44 207 654 5555 Darren.Saywell@iwahq.org.uk http://www.iwahq.org