Rodrigo: “Data-driven water management is increasingly important”

Rodrigo Sedano is EU Project Manager at ITCL Technology Centre in Burgos, Spain, and coordinator of the iMERMAID project. His work focuses on connecting technology, innovation and European cooperation to address water-related environmental challenges, especially the prevention, monitoring and remediation of pollution in aquatic ecosystems. He considers digitalisation and data-driven water management as increasingly important.

What is your current work position?

“I currently work as EU Project Manager at ITCL Technology Centre and I am the Project Coordinator of iMERMAID, a Horizon Europe project focused on innovative solutions to tackle chemical pollution in the Mediterranean Sea basin.”

Can you describe one of your work days?

“One of the things I enjoy most is that no two days are exactly the same. A typical day can include coordinating with project partners from different countries, reviewing technical progress, preparing meetings or reports for the European Commission, supporting communication and dissemination activities, and making sure the different parts of the project move forward in a coherent way. It is a mix of strategy, management, problem-solving and teamwork.”

What do you consider the most interesting part of your job?

“The most interesting part is working at the intersection between technology, environmental protection and international collaboration. For example, in iMERMAID, we are not only discussing ideas: we are helping to develop and demonstrate real solutions, such as monitoring technologies, sensors, data platforms and remediation approaches that can contribute to cleaner and more resilient water systems.”

What is a topic that you see as increasingly important in the water sector?

“I see digitalisation and data-driven water management as increasingly important. The water sector needs better ways to monitor pollution in real time, understand complex environmental processes and support decision-making. Technologies such as sensors, digital twins, artificial intelligence and satellite data can help us move from reacting to problems towards anticipating and preventing them.”

What do you expect from international cooperation?

“Water challenges do not stop at borders, so international cooperation is essential. I expect it to bring together different perspectives, technical expertise and local experiences so that solutions are not developed in isolation, but can be adapted, replicated and scaled in different contexts. Cooperation also helps to build trust, shared knowledge and long-term impact.”

Why are you joining EJWP, what has it brought you so far?

“I joined the European Junior Water Programme (EJWP) because I believe technical knowledge is only one part of the solution. The water sector also needs strong communication, leadership and collaboration skills. EJWP has given me the opportunity to meet other young professionals across Europe, exchange experiences and reflect on how we can contribute to the future of water management from different roles and countries.”

What and where did you study, and how did you end up working in water?

“My academic background is in law, and over time I moved into European project management and innovation. But actually, I’m a lawyer. Working at ITCL gave me the opportunity to coordinate multidisciplinary projects where technology is applied to real societal and environmental challenges. Through iMERMAID, I became increasingly involved in the water sector, where I found a field that combines policy, science, technology and impact in a very meaningful way.”