water’s future
About Us
AquaForum was established by the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava on July 1, 2025, as an international expert platform.
It operates as a think tank bringing together domestic and international specialists from academic and research institutions. Its key areas of focus include water management, environmental engineering, and sustainable development.
The founding of AquaForum at the Slovak University of Technology is no coincidence.
The initiative originated from STU experts with deep expertise in the field of water management. Moreover, Slovakia, with its abundant water resources, is a country uniquely connected to water.
Our ambition is to bridge the academic environment – defined by openness, independence, and an innovative spirit – with the knowledge and experience of professionals from practice and research.
Basic Facts
AquaForum is based at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, which provides professional and administrative support for its activities.
The think tank is divided into several SPECIALIZED SECTIONS, each led by a coordinator and composed of expert members.
1. Technology and Innovation – Development and application of new technologies for water networks, digitalization, and sustainable materials and processes.
2. Regulatory and Legislative Affairs – Harmonization of legislation, legal analysis, and proposals for revising standards and regulations within the V4 countries.
3. Economy and Financing – Cost optimization in the sector, identification of new financing models, and promotion of public–private partnerships.
4. Climate Adaptation and System Resilience – Assessment of climate change impacts on infrastructure and development of adaptation measures.
5. Sustainable Economy and Financing – Supporting sustainable management of water infrastructure systems.
6. Education and Capacity Development – Training programs, workshops, and collaboration with universities and professional institutions.
The think tank also includes a COUNCIL OF PARTNERS, which brings together representatives from public administration, water management companies, and academia. Its role is to provide strategic guidance, assist in financing, and support the implementation of projects.
AquaForum also establishes ad hoc EXPERT WORKING GROUPS formed to address specific challenges within the sector. These groups bring together professionals from various fields, including engineers, lawyers, economic analysts, and environmental specialists.
Our Principles
Our Platform Is Built on the Following Principles
1. Connecting academic and expert perspectives on key issues – linking knowledge with practice and responding to the challenges of climate change.
2. Building a community of Slovak and European professionals in the fields of water management and environmental protection
3. Developing the Slovak and European agenda in water management, environmental engineering, and sustainable development
4. Harnessing the potential of the platform to improve professional projects, enhance their real-world impact, and promote systemic changes in water resource management.
5. Supporting education and talent development through the platform’s activities.
Thematic Focus
1. More efficient water resource management – Implementation of modern approaches to water management, optimization of distribution systems, and reduction of water losses.
2. Support for innovation and digital transformation – Introduction of intelligent solutions for monitoring, analysis, and management of water supply and sewerage systems.
3. Enhancing environmental sustainability – Design of ecological and energy-efficient technologies for water and wastewater treatment.
4. Strengthening international cooperation – Sharing experiences and best practices among V4 countries and other international partners.
5. Supporting policy and legislative development – Providing expert analyses and recommendations for policymakers at both V4 and EU levels.
6. Improving financing for water management projects – Identifying and utilizing new financing models, promoting public–private partnerships, and ensuring effective use of EU funds.
7. Developing professional capacities and education – Organizing training programs, exchange initiatives, and cooperation with academia to prepare future experts.
8. Preparing for climate change – Adapting infrastructure to changing climatic conditions and increasing resilience to extreme phenomena such as droughts and floods.
9. Creating a platform for dialogue – Establishing the think tank as a space for discussion among experts, academia, industry, and policymakers to promote effective decision-making in water management.
Key People
Prof. Ing. Štefan Stanko, PhD.
Prof. Dr. Ing. MBA Petr Hlavínek
Prof. Dr. Jaroslav Pollert
Dr. h. c. prof. Ing. Martina Zeleňáková, PhD.
Prof. Dr Hab. Inż. Daniel Słyś
Teodor Popa, M.Sc.
Dr. Marcell Knolmar
Dr. Florian Kretschmer
Prof. RNDr. Ivona Škultétyová, PhD.
Ing. Ivana Mahríková, PhD., EUR ING.
The think tank is organized into several governing and expert sections. At its head stands the Chairman.
The Presidium is responsible for strategic direction, oversight of activities, and communication with partners.
The Executive Committee is in charge of implementing activities, developing projects, and coordinating the work of expert sections.
Insight & News
AquaForum at the TA3 Conference
On 24 April 2026, the AquaForum platform will take part in the conference “Financing Slovak Water Management and Its Future”, organized by TA3, a respected Slovak news television channel. The event will provide a platform for expert discussion on current challenges, financing, and the future direction of Slovak water management.