By Maria Anjelica P. Ancheta
Hi! I am Anjelica, and I am a third-year PhD candidate in the Water Engineering and Management Program of the School of Engineering and Technology. I had the privilege of participating in the Early Career Researchers’ (ECR) Sustainability Training School (STS) Global 2.0, hosted by the Institute for Global Sustainable Development (IGSD) at the University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom.
Themed ‘Water Security and Resilience’, the ECR STS 2.0 aimed to address pressing issues faced by urban and regional communities globally. Critical topics such as social inequalities and their reflection on water security to climate change impacts on environmental ecosystems were thoroughly discussed in this training school.
The selection process was highly competitive, with only 20 spots available. I submitted my study, “Framework on Assessing Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Systems Resilience to Climate Change and Extreme Events,” which introduces a methodology for identifying climate adaptation solutions, with its initial implementation to be piloted in Bangkok, Thailand. I was selected because of the strong alignment between the focus of my research and the objectives of the workshop, and contribution of my research to key global priorities under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—specifically SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). In my application, I emphasized the first phase of my research, which involved gathering input from 119 global experts in urban climate resilience from both academia and industry to validate the framework. I also concluded in my application that the knowledge and insight gained from the workshop would directly support the implementation phase of my research, which is set to be completed by June 2025.
I was very fortunate to be accepted, along with Ms. Pyae Mon Naing, another PhD Candidate from the School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD) at AIT. I attended the workshop in April last year. AIT, through the Water Engineering and Management Program, facilitated the application process, guiding me in crafting my submission materials. Special thanks to my advisor who is also the Dean of School of Engineering and Technology, Prof. Sangam Shrestha, for his support and encouragement.
The Scarman Conference Centre at the University of Warwick provided an ideal setting for academic enrichment and collaboration during the Sustainability School Training. The workshops on participatory approaches in research dissemination and collaborative projects broadened my perspective on engaging stakeholders beyond academia to appreciate and apply scientific insights. The opportunity to present my research project helped me to receive constructive feedback from resilience experts in the training school. The professors in Warwick generously connected me with fellow participants working on similar themes, fostering potential collaborations.
In addition to presenting my research, I collaborated with fellow PhD candidates I met at the workshop, including Mr. Lars Backhaus from Dresden University of Technology in Germany, Ms. Leah Barrett from Monash University in Australia, and Ms. Dianyu Feng from the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Together, we developed the concept for a Serious Game titled “¿Hydropolis?”, a collaborative board game aimed at educating players about sustainable water management and the creation of water-sensitive communities. Following the training, we applied for and were awarded the STS 2.0 Seed Corn Fund Grant of 1500 GBP to develop an initial prototype of the game, conducting Focus Group Discussions at our respective universities under the guidance of Dr. Feng Mao, Associate Professor of Global Sustainable Development at the University of Warwick.
Aside from the seminar, I had the opportunity to visit historical and cultural sites around the UK. I was able to visit Kenilworth Castle in Coventry with the whole training school team. Thanks to the efficient transportation system in the UK, I was also able to explore the quaint village of Bourton-on-the-Water at Cotswold and London’s most famous landmarks, such as Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, and Westminster Abbey. I also was very fortunate to visit the neighborhood of Notting Hill, where I got to see the sites where scenes from my favorite movies, such as Notting Hill and The Holiday, were filmed. By visiting these sites, I was able to have a glimpse into the UK’s rich culture and heritage.
For future applicants, I recommend demonstrating an interest in interdisciplinary learning and showcasing the societal significance of your research. I am very fortunate that AIT is an institution that aims to consistently produce research work that can help attain the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Moreover, AIT provided me with both logistical and financial help in successfully making this opportunity a reality. My deepest gratitude is owed to my advisor and SET’s Dean Prof. Sangam Shrestha, the Water Engineering and Management Program, the AIT Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs, and IGSD for this invaluable opportunity.
In conclusion, the ECR STS Global 2.0 was not only an academic endeavor but also a journey of personal and professional growth. The workshop provided valuable feedback on my ongoing research, helping refine its implementation phase. I am optimistic about completing the study by June 2025 and contributing new knowledge to the scientific community, particularly in support of climate adaptation in urban centers worldwide. I extend my sincere thanks to all who made this experience possible.
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