Jos Boere takes leave of KWR and Allied Waters after seventeen years

Boere joined KWR in 2009. After a career in business, he had a clear goal in mind for the water research institute: to launch a movement in which research findings find their way to the market. “At KWR, we mainly link innovation to research projects with significant results,” he explains. “That makes sense: that’s where it all starts. The next step is to put those excellent results into practice. At that point, you have to address issues such as economic viability, permit procedures, the market and the value chain. That requires at least as much innovation.”

Circular economy

This shift from research to practice was a recurrent theme in Boere’s work and it was strongly emphasised at the farewell symposium, which was opened by KWR Director Mariëlle van der Zouwen and Impact Manager Andrew Segrave. Mariëlle: “Wandering along the lines of the circular economy through the content, with an excellent feel for timing and the field – that is what we will be doing today and it characterises your approach to your work”. Andrew: “Jos has the unique gift of being able to think and act at the same time. We and many others can learn a lot from that.”

One of the first concrete outcomes of this vision, approach and talent was the establishment of Allied Waters in 2016. Allied Waters was originally a foundation; it has since developed into one of KWR’s sister organisations. The aim of Allied Waters is to make innovations feasible in practice. The circular economy is central here. Boere: “The term ‘circular economy’ is a powerful summary of what it’s all about. We focus on sustainable developments that are circular, while also considering economic viability. Because however you look at it, an innovation will only be useful if the whole picture adds up.”

Where research and market development meet

Boere studied environmental technology in Wageningen and then went into the business world. “I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs,” he says. “And I’ve always worked where research and market development meet. After twenty years in wastewater treatment technology at organisations including Norit, I stepped into the world of KWR. I met all sorts of people who are deeply committed to their work and to sustainable solutions. From the outset, I found that totally fascinating. Obviously, for the water sector, the circular economy means things like recycling water or the efficient use of chemicals. But you also need a broader perspective. New developments need guides to take the initiative. In my view, the water sector is ideal for that role. Political developments can go in any direction but everyone agrees about water. It has to be available, clean and safe for people and the environment. That makes the water sector the perfect lever for innovations.”

A series of innovations

The innovative and inspirational talents of Jos are reflected in a series of innovations, such as the membranes being researched by microbiologist Aleida Hommes. “KWR is researching a method for assessing membrane performance using DNA measurements. Jos calls this ‘NAVI-gate’. The results are promising for safe water recycling, in which dark viral matter is carefully removed. Jos has always believed that there are openings for practical application. He brought people together and helped to develop the innovation further. I am very grateful to him for setting out and shaping this road.”

In his speech, Olaf van der Kolk, the director of AquaMinerals, describes Boere as a true ‘ambassador’ for circularity. “Circularity is more than an ideal: it’s not just a waste to throw things away; we really do need to recycle. To get that message across, you need to make people aware of the relevance. That is exactly what Jos has done by transforming technical research questions into solutions that are relevant for customers. In that way, we have worked together to recover and reuse commodities from the water cycle such as calcite.”

A third innovation discussed during the symposium was the development of foam fractionation for the removal of PFAS from water. This technology uses foam to concentrate PFAS from the water, significantly reducing the volume of the contaminated stream. KWR is working with its partners to investigate how the process can be further optimised and how the PFAS can ultimately be broken down with gasification in supercritical water. Here too, Jos played a prominent role. Speakers Wout de Groot (SCW Systems) and Luuk de Waal (KWR): “Jos is an important driver of collaboration and he knows how to turn ideas from research into tangible innovations. Like a ‘dual-clutch gearbox’, he anticipates the next turn of the road and helps move innovations faster into society at large.”

Wout de Groot of SCW-Systems and Jos Boere of Allied Waters.

An example for the sector

The examples show how Boere’s approach leads to concrete innovations in the field. But his contribution goes beyond individual projects or technologies. His way of thinking and working also serves as an example of how the water sector can approach innovation: with a focus on practical application, collaboration and having a genuine impact.

“An appealing vision and an inspiring approach are important but, ultimately, innovations also have to be realised and put into practice,” emphasised Cees Buisman, the scientific director of the water technology research institute Wetsus, during the farewell symposium.

In his view, water innovation is complex, costly and time-consuming, and so it requires dedication, teamwork and leadership. Universities, businesses and end users must get together here and make science accessible. Jos has made a significant contribution in this area. “Innovation that benefits society needs good leaders like Jos. His support for the demand-driven approach, which is relevant for the end user, has been crucial for the sector. I hope more leaders will follow his example.”

Willy Verstraete, professor emeritus at Ghent University and Honorary Fellow at KWR, took a critical look at the challenges facing the water sector. In his view, excessive regulation and a lack of connection with the public are obstacles to the acceleration of the circular economy. We need people who have the courage to say where improvements are needed and to take action. According to Verstraete, Jos is a driving force of this kind. “Proceed gently and look far ahead; that is how wise people act. You did that. You dared to take the leap in order to move ahead.”

A third and final suggestion came from Robert Scholman, of the Scholman contracting company. Building on Ad van Wijk’s pioneering work in the field of green hydrogen, he and Boere founded Hysolar, a highlight of his career at Allied Waters. “A shining example of dreaming, daring and doing – and bridging the gap between science and practice. In 2024, our green hydrogen production facility in Nieuwegein was officially opened in the presence of King Willem-Alexander. It was the culmination of years of work on transforming knowledge about green hydrogen as an energy carrier into a physical location where that is actually happening. It was a major challenge for us to bring the various interests together but we managed it. Thanks to the expertise brought in by Jos, we successfully set out on the journey to a zero-emission fleet. Thank you, Jos!”

In 2024, our green hydrogen production facility in Nieuwegein was officially opened in the presence of King Willem-Alexander.

Future-resilient KWR

One thing is certain and it became clear once again during the farewell symposium: Boere believes in the power of innovation that goes beyond research alone. Research must find its way into practice and generate both social and economic value. He also thinks this belief is essential for KWR’s future.

“The Club of Rome’s report The Limits to Growth was published when I was twelve. It affected me deeply and it has actually guided me throughout my career. I wanted to conduct research and innovate where technology and behaviour meet. A lot of things came together for me at KWR: green thinking, partners in both the public and private sectors, and the belief that a commercial mindset is fine as long as it is not at the expense of everything else.”

For Boere, the circular economy sums up that conviction perfectly: creating social value and ensuring that it works economically. “Despite all the challenges, I remain optimistic. If you care about something and want to work on it, you just have to get on with it. I have handed over my work in KWR’s Master Plan 2035 to a new generation of enthusiastic and capable people. They will continue to shape and carry forward my mission under their own steam and using their own talents.”

Farewell symposium Jos Boere

Farewell symposium Jos Boere

Farewell symposium Jos Boere

Farewell symposium Jos Boere

Farewell symposium Jos Boere