Dr. Marelize Botes is currently appointed at Stellenbosch University as senior scientist and research manager at the Department of Microbiology and Water Institute. Her research focus is primarily the improvement of water quality and more generally environment sustainability. Her main duties include to prepare and coordinate collaborative project proposals with the SUWI team and national and international partners; to support the acquisition of joint industrial Research and development projects with South African companies and to co-lead the Rand Water Chair in Public Health. As the Business development and networks manager (water) for the FIP she leads the coordination of the Water programme, identifies new research and collaboration opportunities in the water sector and coordinate the joint projects applications of SU and Fraunhofer.