Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize 2024 Citation for Professor Gertjan Medema

“Professor Gertjan Medema from the KWR Water Research Institute is awarded the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize for 2024 for his significant contributions in the field of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE in short). His timely research breakthrough has global impact and enabled the use of wastewater surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic to fight the spread of the virus.
Professor Medema is a renowned microbiologist and an expert in water quality and health, particularly known for his extensive research on the detection and control of waterborne pathogens. His work has significantly contributed to the world’s understanding of how waterborne pathogens are transmitted through water and how such transmission can be prevented. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his expertise was especially relevant as concerns about the presence and transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, in water systems emerged. At the onset of COVID-19 in early 2020, Professor Medema and his team were the first to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater in the Netherlands, even before cases were officially reported in certain cities. Recognising the importance of early detection and surveillance, he swiftly pivoted his team’s research to address the urgent need to monitor the spread of the virus.”

(Citation: Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize 2024 Citation for Professor Gertjan Medema – www.siww.com (2024)April)