Dr Isabela Espindola of the International Water Association receiving Mark Powders’ Award on his behalf from HRH The Princess Royal, with Master Engineer Andrew McNaughton, at the Engineers Trust Awards Dinner on 9 June 2026

Winner 2026 (Medal) – Mark Powders

Mark Powders’ research focuses specifically on the science underpinning the design of thermal stripping technologies for the recovery and concentration of ammonia from municipal wastewater. Importantly, this work facilitates the energy-competitive chemical-free production of high-quality ammonia from wastewater to support practical implementation at scale. Mark is a PhD student at Cranfield University, Bedfordshire working within the Water Science Institute. Mark presented this research at the IWA UK Young Water Professionals Conference and was the outright winner in a very strong field of presentations.

The Water Engineering award is made jointly with the International Water Association (IWA) normally for the best presentation at the annual IWA UK Young Water Professionals Conference.

The Worshipful Company of Engineers Charitable Trust (the Engineers Trust) promotes the contributions of engineers to benefit society, education and research, and the relief of hardship and poverty.

Award photo courtesy of Mark Witter Photography