The Water and Waste Management International (WWMI), UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, One Health, and UIC Energy Resources Center conference planning committee invites abstract submission for the 2026 International Resource Recovery Conference to be held in the heart of Florida, on the beautiful campus of University of Florida in Gainesville. Submissions are welcomed from students, researchers, educators, water and waste managers, energy experts, occupational health professionals, leading entrepreneurs and corporates and other professionals from across the globe on the topics mentioned above.
Welcome to the vibrant city of Gainesville, Florida, USA!
You are invited to attend the International Resource Recovery Conference & Expo, organized by Water and Waste Management International (WWMI) at the University of Florida (UF) campus in Gainesville.
The dates for the conference are May 17–19, 2026. We look forward to welcoming you to WWMI2026 at UF!
The University of Florida, a top-ranked public research institution and a member of the prestigious AAU, is renowned for its excellence in engineering, sustainability research, and innovation. Located in the heart of Gainesville, the UF campus offers a beautiful blend of modern research facilities, natural landscapes, and a vibrant academic community.
WWM International is dedicated to advancing scientific, technological, and policy solutions for the sustainable management of water, energy, and waste management using the principles of circularity. Our goal is to integrate water and waste management practices of Resource recovery in the broader context of sustainable development. We aim to establish a global platform for sharing knowledge and fostering connections. WWMI conducted 7 International conferences so far (Four in India, one in Chicago, one virtual and one at Bangkok).
This International Conference is a unique one focusing on the challenges and opportunities in the Water, Waste Management, One Health, and Energy sectors.
Join us at WWMI2026 in Gainesville and be part of a global movement shaping the future of water, waste, and energy sustainability!
Speaker Tracks
Track 1: Water and Wastewater
- Water Resource Management for Conservation, Distribution, and Access
- Discharge Compliance: Aligning Industrial and Municipal Effluents with Regional Standards
- Rainwater Harvesting and Urban Recharge: Combat Flooding and Water Scarcity
- Advancing Wastewater Systems: Emerging Technologies for Centralized and Decentralized Management
- Digital Transformations in the Water Sector. Enhancing Efficiency and Decision-Making
- Navigating Contaminants: Managing PFAS and Microplastics Innovative Treatment Frontiers: Biological and Thermal Processes
- Agricultural Water Use: Sustainable Practices for a Water-Secure Future
- Bridging the Gap: Tailored Wastewater Solutions for Small and Mid-Level Communities
- Integrated Water Management Under Climate Change: Mitigating Impacts and Building Resilience
Track 2: Solid Waste Management
- Zero Waste Management
- 4R Principles: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover
- Waste Regulations and Policies
- Advanced Waste Characterization
- C&D Waste Recycling and Reuse
- Natural Disaster Debris Strategies
- Landfil Design and Monitoring
- Leachate Recirculation and Bioreactors
- Landfil Gas Management and Use
- Landfill Mining and Reclamation
- Energy Recovery and Waste-to-Energy
- Data-Driven Waste Optimization.
Track 3: One Health
- Understand Complex, Interconnected Health Challenges
- Role of Environmental Factors in Disease Emergence
- Informal waste workers & occupational health
- Informal water access & health equity
- Water quality, pathogens & antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
- Plastic waste & health
- Indoor air pollution from biomass burning
- Mental health stress from unreliable electricity
- Waste-to-energy (WtE) & health trade-offs
- Urban heat islands, cooling demand, heat stress
- Floods, cydones, earthquakes debris, dead animals, sewage overflow
Track 4: Energy
- Developing Decarbonization and Sustainable Energy
- Pathways Setting and Achieving Net-Zero Goals
- Lowering Energy Costs Through Strategic Energy Management
- Energy Efficiency Success Stories
- Enhancing Energy Resiliency
- Advancing Innovative Energy Technology Solutions
- Integrating Onsite Energy, Renewables, and Combined Heat and Power
- Analyzing Pollution Prevention Strategies
- Case Studies.
What to Expect at Conference & Expo
- Global connectivity with environmental experts, scientists and professionals participating from various parts of the world
- Business opportunities in USA, South Asia and Middle East Countries
- Networking with Industry leaders, governmental boards and company owners
- Earning Professional Development Hours (PDHs)
- Topics covering Water, Wastewater and Stormwater
- Topics covering Solid Waste
- Topics covering Energy Resources
- Technical workshops and panel discussions
- Booths and vendors
- New Technology, Policies, Latest Trends and Advancements
Information for Sponsors
Download PDFPlenary Speakers
Dr. J. Scott Angle
Senior Vice President of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Florida
Dr. Robert Gilbert
Dean for Research and Executive Director of Academic Affairs, University of Florida
Dr. Adegbola Adesogan
Associate Vice President and Director of Global Food Systems Institute, University of Florida
Dr. Sharon Waller
Commissioner, MWRDGC | Chairperson, WWM International
Pinakin Desai
Assistant Director, MWRDGC
Cliff Haefke
Director, Energy Resources Center, UIC
Dr. Gopal Kakani
Professor and Assoc. Director for Global Programs, University of Florida
Sam Pappu P.E
President, WWM International
Conference Speakers
Dr. Senay Simsek
Head & Professor Food Science, Asst Dean of One Health, Purdue University
David N Jones
CEO, Lumena Energy Chicago
Bryan Johnson P.E
President, Energy Tech Innovations, Wisconsin
Dr. Ravi Durvasula, M.D
Chair, Division of Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
Ruth Abbe
President, Zero Waste USA
Dr. Prakasam Tata
Executive Director, CTWT Naperville
Dr. Halis Simsek
Assistant Professor, Agricultural & Biological Engineering, Purdue University
Dr. Benjamin Anderson
Assistant Professor, One Health, University of Florida
Dr. Joseph H Bisesi
Associate Director and Associate Professor, University of Florida
Dr. Pratap C. Pullammanappallil
Associate Professor, University of Florida
Khaja Moinuddin P.E
Sr. Civil Engineer, MWRDGC Chicago
Chetan Kale P.E
Principal, Kale Tech LLC
Christienne de Tournay Birkhahn
Zero Waste Consultant & Educator, Berkeley, CA
Dr. Xinhua Jia, Professor
North Dakota State University
Dr. Abdul Salam Mohammed
CEO, Markaz Knowledge City INDIA
Tharun Kumar
Founder & CEO, ECOSTP Technologies, India
Conference Location at UF - May 17 - 19, 2026
Conference will be held in the University of Florida, Gainesville, in the Straughn IFAS Extension Development Center, located in the University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine. 2142 Shealy Dr, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States
Accommodation
Hotels
- Hotel Eleo: 0.7 - mile walk to Conference Center (1514 SW 14th St, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States)
- Quality Inn Gainesville near University: 1.5 - miles by walk to Conference Center (2435 SW 13th St, Gainesville, FL 32608)
- Reitz Union Hotel: 1.1 - mile walk to Conference Center (University of Florida, 655 Reitz Union Drive, Campus, Gainesville, FL 32611)
- Aloft Gainesville University Area: 2.1 -miles drive (3743 Hull Rd, Gainesville, FL 32607)
- Dury Inn and Suites Gainesville: 2.3 - mile drive to Conference Center (4000 SW 40th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States)
- Hilton University of Forida: 2.3 -mile drive to Conference Center (1714 SW 34th Street, Gainesville, Florida, 32607, USA)
Airbnb
- Online based apartments hosted by local residents. Visit: airbnb.com
Travel Information
Airports
For attendees flying into Gainesville for the conference, several airport options are available. Below is a quick guide to help you plan your arrival.
- Gainesville Regional Aiport (3880 NE 39th Ave A, Gainesville, FL 32609, United States): Closest and most convenient option, offering direct access to the city and a short drive to the University of Florida campus. Ideal for participants seeking the quickest route to conference venues.
- Orlando International Airport (1 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827): Located approximately 3 hours from Gainesville, Orlando International Airport is a major hub with extensive domestic and international flight options. Ground transportation and rental cars are widely available.
- Jacksonville International Aiport (2400 Yankee Clipper Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32218, United States): Jacksonville International Airport is about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Gainesville, providing another convenient alternative with several major airline connections.
- Tampa International Airport (4100 George J. Bean Pkwy, Tampa, FL 33607, United States): Tampa International Airport is roughly a 2-hour drive to Gainesville and offers a variety of domestic and international flights. It's a reliable option for participants traveling from the west or international locations.
International Travelers for Conference & Expo
The first step to traveling to the U.S. is to determine if you need a Visa or if you are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Travelers from VWP countries must have valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval before travel.
Require a Visa?
B1 visa is normally available for attending conferences. Please check current visa categories and requirements with the US Department of state by clicking this link. (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html).
It can take four to six months to get an interview date. Please contact your nearest consulate as soon as possible to request an interview date. Please file your visa paperwork as far in advance as possible to be eligible for a refund.
WWMI will not intervene on behalf of the conference attendees with the Embassy or U.S. Consulate via phone or emails. Visa applicants MUST demonstrate that they qualify for the visa category and do not intend to immigrate permanently to USA. This involves showing solid ties to the home country and a clear purpose for a visit to the US and the return. Failing to provide a complete visa application or all the necessary supporting documents is a common reason for a US Visa rejection.
Conference Invitation Letter for Visa
Registration must be completed and paid in at least partial ($100 US Dollars) for four days of attendance before a Letter of Invitation may be requested. A copy of your registration payment receipt must accompany your request.
Please be ready to provide your complete official name, date of birth, physical address, email address, and passport number (if available). If any additional information will be needed for the letter issuance, you will be notified by e-mail in response to the submitted request.
The Letter of Invitation will ONLY be sent by email to your registered email address. The Letter of Invitation cannot be emailed or sent to the Embassy or U.S. Consulate.
Nearby Attractions
Orlando (Approx. 3 hours from Gainesville): Universal Studios Florida, Volcano Bay water park, ICON Park, Kennedy Space Center, Disney World, Island of Adventures, Kennedy Space Center.
Jacksonville (Approx. 1 hour 40 minutes from Gainesville): Jacksonville Riverwalk, Top Golf, St. Johns River
Cedar Key (Approx. 1 hour from Gainesville): A charming, quiet coastal town known for: Beautiful sunsets, Kayaking and nature trails, Seafood restaurants and Old Florida charm. Perfect for participants looking for a peaceful coastal retreat.
St. Augustine (Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes from Gainesville): America’s oldest city offers:
-
Historic Downtown
-
Castillo de San Marcos
-
Cobblestone streets, cafés, and boutiques: A beautiful day-trip destination for history lovers and scenic explorers.