Hosted by The AMAST Network, a UKRI Network

The AMAST (AMR in Agrifood Systems Transdisciplinary) Network is funded by UK Research and Innovation and is dedicated to protecting the future of our food systems and public health by addressing antimicrobial resistance through collaborative, innovative research and action.

This interactive panel session will bring together representatives from water utilities, operators and engineers, farmers, health practitioners, academics, policymakers, regulators and other experts for an engaging discussion, with opportunities for conference delegates to contribute to the debate.

The session will explore the scientific evidence and common misconceptions surrounding antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and biosolids, while considering the perspectives of key stakeholders from across the sector. It will provide a thought-provoking addition to the conference programme, offering delegates a different format alongside the technical presentations.

The panel discussion will be chaired by Professor Ruben Sakrabani and Dr Parveen Rupani from Cranfield University, with contributions from a range of complementary experts from sectors relevant to the water industry.

Professor Ruben Sakrabani has close to 20 years of experience in determining nutrient dynamics in soils associated with application of organic amendments such as compost, manure, slurry, biosolids, biochar and digestates. His work explores the resource efficiency and reliability of organic amendments as alternative sources of fertilisers to reduce demand on inorganic fertilisers to promote in regenerative agriculture. He has an excellent and extensive track record in projects on biosolids application to land in relation to its use as alternative phosphorus fertiliser in the context of organo-mineral fertiliser (OMF) production. His is closely liaising with fertiliser companies in projects related to OMF to promote more sustainability in agriculture. He has also developed the first national Phosphate Acceptance Map in England building on his work on OMF. He continues to engage in technologies such as carbon capture, plasma technology, super critical water oxidation to valorise organic amendments for soil applications. He has published in over 80 peer reviewed papers. is also member of the National Environment Research Council (NERC) Review College and sits within the Advisory Board of Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA). He is technical committee member for the British Standard Institute CII/37 - Fertilisers and related chemicals and the European Committee for Standardization CEN TC 260/WG 8 - Organic and organo-mineral fertilizers.

Dr Parveen Fatemeh Rupani is a Research Fellow in Nutrient Management at Cranfield University, specialising in environmental biotechnology and circular bioeconomy approaches for sustainable agriculture. Her research focuses on recovering and applying bio-based products from waste streams, including novel fertilisers and bio stimulants, to improve soil microbial functioning, nutrient cycling and nutrient-use efficiency. She has authored more than 30 peer-reviewed publications and collaborates with academic and industry partners to translate research into practical, sustainable solutions for soil and nutrient management.