FIBE3 Cohort 4 student, Zoe Zhuang, recently had the pleasure of attending the Peter Wolf Symposium, hosted by the British Hydrological Society at the University of Liverpool. The event brought together researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders to explore innovative approaches to hydrology and flood management.
The symposium provided a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with two influential mentors—Duncan Faulkner and former undergraduate supervisor Andy Plater—whose guidance has been instrumental in Zoe’s academic journey. She was also grateful for the chance to present her latest research on the strategic placement of leaky barriers, contributing to the growing body of work on nature-based solutions for flood resilience.
Among the many inspiring projects shared, the Flood and Drought Research Infrastructure (FDRI) programme stood out. This initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration and co-production between researchers, practitioners, and communities, driving forward practical and impactful solutions to climate challenges.
After the conference, Zoe took a stroll through Liverpool city centre, where she was delighted to see real-world applications of sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS)—including rain gardens and floating islands. These interventions are a testament to how research can shape and enhance urban environments, turning theory into tangible benefits for communities.
“A big thank you to the British Hydrological Society for making this event accessible to early career researchers with free attendance, and to FIBE2 CDT for their ongoing support.” – Zoe Zhuang