Hedviga: “Learned to bridge the gap between a good idea and practical use”

Hedviga Horváthová from Slovakia participated in the first European Water Junior Programme (EJWP) in 2020. She works at the Technical University of Košice for the Faculty of Materials, Metallurgy and Recycling. Five years later she still works for this university but she has developed from someone who was primarily focused on teaching and science to an all-round water innovation expert. She now knows what is necessary to bring a good idea into practical use. The soft skills she developed during the EJWP Programme are crucial for this.

It’s been five years since you first introduced yourself as a participant in EJWP1. How has your journey in the water sector evolved since then?

“During my time in EJWP1, I was primarily focused on science and teaching, but I realized that research alone is not enough, especially if it is to have real-world impact. I began to concentrate more on connecting innovation with practice. Gradually, my perspective shifted from a purely academic one to a broader view that also includes intellectual property, innovation, project management, and marketing.”

Can you share some of the key milestones and achievements in your career over the past five years?

“In 2022, I had the opportunity to work on a project related to technology transfer. Through it, I became deeply familiar with the entire process from the creation of an innovative idea, through patenting, to its practical application. A logical next step was filing a patent application for a wastewater treatment technology, which was the result of research I conducted at the Faculty of Materials, Metallurgy and Recycling of the Technical University of Košice, together with two colleagues. We developed a two-stage process for treating wastewater generated during the recycling of EAFD (Electric Arc Furnace Dust) using a hydrometallurgical method. We worked on this technological procedure for three years, and the resulting process involves a combination of wastewater treatment using hydrotalcite and ion exchangers. The regenerated water can be returned to the recycling process; however, it also meets all parameters required for discharge into a recipient. At the same time, I worked part-time as a project coordinator for Erasmus+ mobility programmes at TUKE, gaining hands-on experience in project management. Currently, I am working on the preparation fo faculty projects, and I am also involved in marketing—organizing and coordinating science-related activities. These activities have given me a valuable overview of how the faculty and university function as a whole.”

How did your participation in EJWP1 influence your professional development and career trajectory?

“Thanks to the EJWP, I better understood the importance of soft skills, especially communication, leadership, and collaboration in international teams. It allowed me to see my professional path in a broader context. EJWP gave me the courage to explore areas outside my comfort zone, such as intellectual property, innovation strategy, patenting, and communication. I also gained confidence, perspective, and new connections that I had previously lacked.”

What are some of the most memorable experiences you had during your time with EJWP?

“There were really a lot, but if I had to choose, one of the most memorable educational and enjoyable moments was a training session with an actress who played various personality types. Our task was to adapt our communication to her style in order to reach a mutual agreement. Exercises like that helped us dive deeper into the dynamics of interpersonal communication and taught us to be flexible in different situations. I enjoyed visiting plant sites, as I learned a lot about different technologies for water treatment, from seawater desalination to modern wastewater treatment plants. I then incorporated this knowledge into my lessons, which I taught to students.”

What challenges have you faced in the water sector, and how have you addressed them?

“One of the main challenges I’ve faced is bridging the gap between research and practice. Many innovative ideas remain in drawers because there is a lack of funding, experience, or properly set-up processes for implementation. Therefore, I saw it as crucial to understand the entire cycle, from idea development to practical use. Over time, I learned that having a good idea isn’t enough, you also need to be able to communicate it, sell it, and secure support, whether technical, financial, or project-related. My work on a project involving industrial property gave me valuable experience to better understand the concept and handle these challenges.”

How have your skills and knowledge in the water sector grown since your time with EJWP?

“Since participating in EJWP, my skills and knowledge in water have grown not only technically but also in areas I had not paid as much attention to before, such as how innovations are transferred into practice, the role of communication in implementing solutions, and the importance of engaging with different stakeholders. Thanks to the new work experiences, I’ve acquired new abilities in project management, strategic planning, and supporting intellectual property in technical fields.”

What are your future goals and aspirations in the water sector?

“Water, like metals or minerals, is a strategic resource. Although our faculty covers a wide range of topics, in which water is present, from waste recycling to industrial process simulations, water often remains invisible, yet it plays a key role. I am very interested in working on the development of sorbents and nanomaterials for wastewater treatment because I believe these technologies can significantly contribute to environmental protection and improving water quality, which is crucial for sustainability. In the future, my plans are to join a research team and work on developing materials that could be applied in water treatment, ranging from adsorbents to nanomaterials. Of course, I would like to pass on the knowledge I have gained to others. My goal is also to raise awareness about the importance of water throughout society from early childhood education through schools, universities, and the workplace.”

What advice would you give to new participants joining EJWP today?

“If you are still hesitating about whether to join – just do it. EJWP offers not only a wealth of knowledge but also space for personal growth, new contacts, and inspiration. It’s a great starting point for a journey that can take you anywhere you want – if you’re open to it.”

What is your vision for the future of the water sector, and how do you see yourself contributing to it?

“My vision is for water to no longer be taken for granted. It is a strategic resource that will become even more important – environmentally, politically, and economically. I see a need to integrate the topic of water into different areas of education and research. I aim to contribute through research projects and by raising awareness of water’s importance among young people, communities, and professionals.”

How have you grown personally over the past five years, and what role has EJWP played in that growth?

“As someone with a technical background, I used to rely more on logic and facts than on communication. EJWP, however, showed me how significantly the way we present our ideas affects how they’re received. The training helped me see interpersonal communication as a tool for understanding and collaboration. This shift in perspective has helped me not only in my professional life but also personally.”

How do you manage to balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life?

“My university work is fulfilling and offers me flexibility. I enjoy learning and discovering new areas that inspire me. At the same time, I’m aware of the importance of rest and balance, so I intentionally create space for family, friends, hobbies, and travel, activities that help me recharge and stay energized.”

What keeps you motivated and inspired to continue working in the water sector?

“Daily interactions with young people, research topics, and environmental challenges provide me with constant inspiration. Water touches nearly every aspect of life, and its ubiquity, combined with how often it is taken for granted, motivates me to focus on this topic and highlight its importance to younger generations.”

Hedviga: “After this I will do things better”