Modeling the next generation of on-site sanitation systems

Luiza Cintra Campos

Luiza Cintra Campos of the University College London has won a US$ 100,000 Gates Foundation grant to to develop a simulation tool to evaluate new on-site sanitation technologies. By including parameters such as pit latrines served, distance to treatment, and potential for energy recovery, the simulation tool can aid communities in determining the best new systems for local needs.

Ms. Campos’ project was one of 31 to be awarded a grant on 7 November 2011 in the “Create the Next Generation of Sanitation Technologies” topic in round 7 of the Grand Challenges Explorations initiative.

Scientist to Turn Human Waste Into Fertiliser

Ghana – Scientist Wins Support for Plan to Turn Human Waste Into Fertiliser

Accra — A female Ghanaian scientist is one of four researchers from developing countries who received US$100,000 each to pursue their dream ideas for solving global health problems.

Olufunke Cofie, a soil scientist at the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research‘s Challenge Program on Water and Food will develop fertiliser pellets from treated human waste to boost agricultural productivity and improve sanitation.

She is one of the latest 88 winners in the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation‘s Grand Challenges in Global Health programme, funded through the Grand Challenges Explorations (GCE) initiative, which include scientists from Ecuador, Ghana, Kenya and the Philippines.

“Recycling readily available excrement has the potential to both reduce the environmental pollution burden and prolong the lifespan of [waste] treatment plants, while also significantly improving soil productivity,” Cofie told SciDev.Net.

Grand Challenge: Create the Next Generation of Sanitation Technologies

Submit an original and innovative idea in 2-page proposal for a decentralised, non-waterborne sanitation technology and get a chance to win US$ 100,000 to develop the idea further.

“Create the Next Generation of Sanitation Technologies” is one of the new topics in Round 6 of the Grand Challenges Explorations grants, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The Explorations are part of the Grand Challenges in Global Health initiative. Successful projects have the opportunity to receive a follow-on grant of US$ 1 million or more, and could eventually evolve into Grand Challenges project.