Alumni events

180th Lecture Series ~ Water, Wastewater, Everywhere... Every drop counts!

The final 180th anniversary lecture will take place on Wednesday 12 November 2025 in the Boutflour Hall, at the Royal Agricultural University, delivered by Professor Kiran Tota-Maharaj, RAU Professor of Water Resources Management and Infrastructure, and Andrew Blackhall, CEO Water Research Centre.

Water, wastewater, everywhere… Every drop counts! And every drop connects to our energy industries and food sectors. Did you know the water is deeply connected to our Energy and Food? In this 180th Anniversary Lecture Series, in partnership with the Water Research Centre Ltd (WRc), we'll explore Microbial Electrosynthesis (MES), as a game-changer and revolutionary technology. Imagine microbes and electricity transforming wastewater into valuable resources, addressing the challenges of the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus. Uncovering how these fascinating technologies clean water, generate energy, and can even produce food, maximising the potential of our precious water resources.

Professor Kiran Tota-Maharaj is a distinguished engineer, academic, and environmental leader whose career is dedicated to advancing sustainable water resources management. Currently, Professor of Water Resources Management and Infrastructure at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) and Technical Director for Water, Wastewater and Environmental Engineering at the Water Research Centre Ltd (WRc), he effectively bridges industry and academia through collaborative research, practice, and education. 

Andy Brackhall will be presenting on the following topic: River Deep, Mountain AI: Research Driven, Artificial Intelligence for a Sustainable Future. Currently, Andy is Managing Director at the Water Research Centre (WRc). He is an Environmental Scientist, with a background in Automotive Engineering. He holds a Master’s in Business and is a Chartered Director. 

Come along to hear their extensive knowledge of water operations and learn about innovative solutions for sustainable water resource management.

Tickets and parking are free. Visit this link to book on Eventbrite.

AI and ML for agriculture and food training (Innovate UK funded) at the Alliston Centre

With funding from Innovate UK, the consultancy Ricardo is offering free training, tailored to the agri-food sector, on artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Discover more over a course of an afternoon with Principal Consultant for Agriculture and Land, Felicity Crotty, and James Lewis, Senior Data Scientist.

The format will be talks, Q&A and the opportunity to network with others interested in the topic.

This event is open to all, with booking closing on 10 November, 12.00 pm.

Fresh pastries and beverages will be served.

For more details and to book visit the Farm491 website at https://farm491.com/events/

'Inspire Me' Talk with Greg Pilley, Managing Director of Stroud Brewery at the Alliston Centre

Greg will share the remarkable journey that transformed Stroud Brewery from a local passion project into a national leader in sustainability.

Learn how a commitment to organic brewing and community values led to prestigious awards, including “Sustainable Business of the Year” by the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) and “Winner of Corporate Social Responsibility” at the Circle 2 Success Awards.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear first-hand how purpose-driven business can change an industry and the world.

Tickets are free but please book in advance. Refreshments will be served.

For more details and to book visit the Farm491 website at https://farm491.com/events/

Croissants and Questions Breakfast Series

Join us for our next ‘Croissants & Questions’ business breakfast at the Alliston Centre.

Guest speaker Alex Robinson will present ‘The hydrological impact of nature-based solutions in the Upper Thames Water Catchment’, ahead of a Q&A and networking, as usual.

Alex is a RAU postgraduate alum and amongst his many roles is Managing Partner at Moor Wood Farm where he is implementing a regenerative agricultural approach, and Director at Zulu Ecosystems, where he is responsible for advising farmers, landowners and landscape stakeholders on how to establish natural capital baselines, identify opportunities and deliver impact.

Fresh pastries and refreshment will be served.

All welcome, especially those interested in strategic land management and the future of food and farming.

For more details and to book visit the Farm491 website at https://farm491.com/events/