Akintunde BABATUNDE, Ph.D. (30, Nigeria)

University College Dublin, Ireland

Research focus: Wastewater treatment
Nigerian researcher Akintunde Babatunde has been working at University College Dublin in Ireland since 2004, initially as a Ph.D. student, now as a Research project manager and postdoctoral research engineer. For his dissertation, he conceptualized, designed and developed a novel tidal-flow constructed wetland system for wastewater treatment using alum sludge as the main substrate. The system cleans water using a widely available industrial by-product (alum sludge).

It also uses a passive aeration process (aeration is a regular part of sewage treatment), which requires less energy than traditional, mechanical aeration. The system could be used in a number of settings, including remote areas, industries, farms or hotels. Babatunde impressed the jury with his multifaceted scientific activities, including several memberships in scientific associations, and his activity as a reviewer for scientific journals. In Germany, Babatunde seeks not only contacts to scientists, but also to the business world, as he hopes to eventually market his design with the help of an industry partner.