Delft University of Technology - Best Researcher Award
Author Profile
Early Academic Pursuits
Prof Dr Julius Bernardus van Lier, known as Jules, was born on January 29, 1963, in Beesel/Reuver, The Netherlands. He earned his Ph.D. in Environmental and Agricultural Sciences from Wageningen Agricultural University in 1995. His dissertation focused on "Thermophilic Anaerobic Waste Water Treatment, Temperature Aspects, and Process Stability." Prior to this, he obtained a Master of Science degree in Environmental Sciences from Wageningen Agricultural University in 1988, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Nijmegen University in 1985.
Professional Endeavors
Academic Positions
- Since 2008, Jules van Lier has been a Full Professor of "Wastewater/Environmental Engineering" at Delft University of Technology, affiliated with the Department of Water Management, Section Sanitary Engineering.
- He held a special chair appointment as Professor of Environmental Technology at Wageningen University from 2005 to 2008.
- Jules has been the Head of the Section Sanitary Engineering since 2010.
- He served as the Director of the Faculty Graduate School at TU Delft from 2011 to 2016.
Consultancy and Project Management
- From 1997 to 2005, Jules was the Director of the consultancy firm Lettinga Associates Foundation "LeAF," where he managed projects and had 40% workload.
- He was a Project Manager and responsible researcher at the Department of Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, from 1993 to 2005.
Contributions and Research Focus:
Research Activities
Prof Dr Jules van Lier's research activities are diverse, covering:
- Biotechnologies for (waste)water treatment.
- Anaerobic treatment for wastewater, sludges, and slurries.
- Water reclamation systems after secondary treatment.
- Resource recovery from waste(water) streams: water, nutrients, biogas, elements, organics.
- Closing water cycles in industries and sewage water recovery for irrigated agriculture.
Educational Responsibilities
- Prof Dr Jules is involved in curriculum development for BSc and MSc courses on waste water treatment, sanitation approaches, and urban (waste)water.
- He has supervised numerous BSc/MSc thesis research projects.
- Actively engaged in online education, developing Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and blended campus education.
Professional Doctorate of Engineering (PDEng)
- Prof Dr Jules is a permanent member of the EngD-CEG selection committee.
- He supervises and co-supervises Professional Doctorate candidates on various topics related to environmental engineering.
Accolades and Recognition
Finished PhD Projects
Prof Dr Jules has successfully supervised and promoted several Ph.D. candidates, contributing significantly to the field. Notable projects include:
- Anaerobic digestion of excess sludge by Cascade digesters.
- Anaerobic membrane Bioreactor (AnMBR) for the treatment of lipid-rich dairy wastewater.
- Treatment of petrochemical wastewaters using AnMBR systems.
- Biogas-Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) energy system for rural energy supply.
- Energy recovery from N-laden industrial wastewaters.
- Maximization of energy recovery from waste activated sludge via mild-temperature and oxidative pre-treatment.
- Off-site enhanced biogas production with concomitant pathogen removal from faecal matter.
Impact and Influence
Prof Dr Jules van Lier's impact is evident in his leadership roles, research contributions, and successful guidance of numerous Ph.D. candidates. His work in wastewater treatment, environmental engineering, and resource recovery has influenced both academia and industry.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Prof Dr Jules has left a lasting legacy in the field of environmental engineering, particularly in wastewater treatment and resource recovery. His ongoing commitment to research, education, and mentoring future professionals ensures a continued impact on sustainable practices in water management.
Future Endeavors
As a seasoned academic and researcher, Prof Dr Jules van Lier is likely to continue his contributions to the field through innovative research, educational initiatives, and mentorship of emerging scholars. His multifaceted experience positions him as a thought leader in addressing contemporary challenges in wastewater treatment and environmental engineering.
Notable Publication