Photo courtesy of himself
The NRPOP Laboratory is proud to announce that Junzhang Chen (he/him, M.Eng. Student), a dedicated member of our team, has recently been appointed as the Regional Director (Atlantic) for the International Water Association Young Water Professionals Canada Chapter (IWA YWP Canada). His two-year term will run from September 2025 to August 2027.
This appointment carries special significance: the Regional Director (Atlantic) role has remained vacant for the past two terms (2021–2023 & 2023–2025). Junzhang’s appointment re-establishes IWA YWP Canada’s presence in the Atlantic region, ensuring that young water professionals under the age 35 across Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island will benefit from strengthened connections, representation, and membership services.
During his mandate, Junzhang will contribute to advancing IWA YWP Canada’s mission by:
- Organizing networking and professional development events across the Atlantic provinces;
- Encouraging membership among local water professionals;
- Recruiting and supporting regional ambassadors;
- Representing IWA YWP at local water-related conferences and symposia;
- Reporting to the national IWA YWP Canada executive committee on planned and completed activities;
- Coordinating local volunteer teams for community and professional meet-ups;
- Attending the chapter board meetings.
Through these efforts, Junzhang aims to foster a vibrant community for young professionals in the Atlantic provinces, providing opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and career development.
Junzhang’s appointment as Regional Director (Atlantic) not only strengthens NRPOP Lab’s visibility within Canada’s water community, but also ensures that the Atlantic provinces are actively represented on the national stage. His work will contribute to shaping opportunities for young professionals, enhancing academic–industry dialogue, and promoting sustainable water management solutions across the region.
NRPOP Lab congratulates Junzhang on this prestigious appointment and looks forward to supporting his leadership in advancing the interests of young water professionals in Atlantic Canada and beyond.
About the IWA Network
Photo by IWA Network Website
The International Water Association (IWA) is the leading global network of water professionals, bringing together academics, researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and industry leaders to advance sustainable water management. Founded over 70 years ago, IWA connects over 10,000 individual members and 500 corporate members in more than 140 countries.
IWA’s work spans the entire water cycle—from drinking water supply and wastewater treatment to climate resilience, digital water solutions, and the circular economy. The association provides a platform for knowledge sharing, innovation, and the translation of cutting-edge research into real-world practice. Through international congresses, specialist conferences, working groups, and publications, IWA fosters collaboration across sectors and disciplines, supporting developed and emerging economies in addressing pressing water challenges.
For the Canadian academic and professional community, IWA offers a bridge to global expertise, ensuring that Canada remains at the forefront of water research, technology, and policy development.
About the IWA YWP Canada
Photo by IWA YWP Canada Website
IWA Young Water Professionals Canada (IWA YWP Canada) is the national chapter of the global IWA YWP initiative, which engages and empowers early-career water professionals under age 35. The Canadian chapter is committed to advancing its members’ professional and academic growth through mentorship, leadership training, and meaningful connections with the global water community.
IWA YWP Canada plays a pivotal role in:
- Professional development – offering workshops, webinars, and conferences to enhance technical and leadership skills;
- Networking opportunities – creating spaces for young researchers, engineers, and practitioners to connect with peers and senior leaders in the water sector;
- Academic support – bridging the gap between universities and industry, encouraging knowledge transfer and collaborative research;
- Leadership cultivation – empowering young professionals to take active roles in shaping the future of water management in Canada and abroad.
For Canada’s next generation of water leaders, IWA YWP Canada provides a unique platform to gain international exposure, build capacity, and contribute to solving water-related challenges at both national and global scales.
