The awards committee has revealed the talented winners of the 2025 IUVA Achievement Awards. Honored during an awards dinner at the IUVA World Congress in Lisbon, Portugal, in early September, the winning projects, people and papers excelled in a very competitive field of nominees.
Sustainability Award
Professor Hadas Mamane has been selected as the winner in the Projects/Products: Sustainability category for her groundbreaking work with BeyondBlue. The non-profit she co-founded delivers cutting-edge UV-LED water disinfection technologies designed specifically for underserved and resource-limited communities. By leveraging energy-efficient, chemical-free and off-grid compatible UV systems, BeyondBlue directly advances sustainable development goals for clean water and health. The organization’s modular, portable technologies minimize environmental impact while maximizing access to safe drinking water in rural and emergency settings across Uganda, India and beyond. Professor Mamane’s visionary leadership seamlessly integrates academic innovation with community-driven solutions, demonstrating how sustainable engineering can transform public health and water security worldwide.
Innovation Award
Dr. Mengkai Li is the winner in the Projects/Products: Innovation category for the Mini-fluidic Photoreaction System (MFPS) – a groundbreaking advancement in UV water treatment research. Developed in collaboration with leading institutions in China, the MFPS redefines how scientists study and optimize UV-based advanced oxidation processes (UV-AOPs), as well as how engineers predict real-world engineering performance. With modular design, multi-wavelength compatibility and integration with other treatment technologies, this system enables rapid, energy-efficient analysis of pollutant degradation and microbial inactivation. Already in use by research institutions and industry, the MFPS is a transformative tool accelerating innovation in sustainable water treatment.
Engineering Award
Dr. Mengkai Li also was recognized as the winner in the Projects/Products: Engineering category for leading the most impactful UV engineering project of the year. In collaboration with Professors Zhimin Qiang (Shanghai Jiao Tong University), Ting Xie and Shaogang Liu (both of Guangxi Minzu University), Dr. Li and his team designed and implemented a decentralized, chlorine-free UV water disinfection system tailored to the specific needs of rural, karst regions of Southwest China. Featuring rapid-start UV reactors and point-of-use tap disinfection, the system delivers safe, chemical-free drinking water to remote communities. Following a successful pilot in Guangxi, the project has expanded regionally and is transforming rural water safety.
UVLaunch Award
Martin Hessling is the winner of the UVLaunch award, recognizing an innovative UV startup or startup idea. Together with Ph.D. student Ben Sicks and Master’s student Kilian Noller, Hessling developed a side-mounted UVC and Far UV-C LED system integrated with a quartz overlay that rapidly disinfects touchscreens. This technology addresses a critical public health challenge in public spaces where frequent contact can facilitate the spread of infectious diseases. Extensive lab testing has demonstrated up to 99.9% bacterial reduction (including MRSA surrogates) in just one second of exposure. Ideal for high-traffic environments like hospitals, ATMs and public kiosks, this automated solution offers continuous, user-safe sterilization without manual cleaning or harmful residues. With continued development and commercial potential, Hessling’s startup stands to revolutionize infection control on everyday touch interfaces, enhancing hygiene and safety in both healthcare and public environments worldwide.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Troy Cowan is the recipient of the 2025 IUVA Lifetime Achievement Award. A visionary leader and passionate advocate for public health, Cowan has made transformative contributions to the UV industry and beyond. As founder of the IUVA Healthcare Working Group, he built and led a cross-sector coalition that continues to advance UV technology and its role in protecting patient safety. His tireless efforts have fostered collaborations across government, industry and academia – resulting in innovations that are helping to save lives. Known for his calm leadership, strategic insight and quiet generosity, Cowan has shaped not only the direction of the field, but also the community within it. This award recognizes both his extraordinary impact and his enduring legacy. “It’s all about saving lives…”
Sun Award for Outstanding Volunteerism
The Sun Award for Outstanding Volunteer Contribution was presented to the IUVA Task Force on the Impact of UV-C on Material Degradation. Since its formation in 2021, this cross-industry working group – featuring 34 experts from Boeing, Philips Healthcare, Honeywell, Solvay/Syensqo, Aquisense, Atlas/Ametek, RTP Compounding, Seal Shield, Light Sources, Blueprint Biosecurity, New York State Department of Health, Heraeus, Castros SA, independent experts and more – has led the global effort to understand how UV-C affects polymers. Their work has produced foundational data and degradation profiles, shaping upcoming ISO and ASTM standards. In addition, the Task Force actively has promoted IUVA and its developments at conferences and events around the world. Through collaborative research, leadership and international outreach, this Task Force has significantly advanced the safe and effective use of UV-C technologies across industries.
Galaxy Award for Outstanding Organizational Partner
The Galaxy Award for Outstanding Organizational Partner was presented to Dr. Jiangyong Hu of the Center for Water Research (CWR) at the National University of Singapore. A global leader in water treatment innovation, Dr. Hu has spearheaded over S$25 million in research projects and played a pivotal role in Singapore’s acclaimed NEWater program, which leverages UV technology for potable water reuse. Under her leadership, CWR has become a hub for international collaboration, education and technology transfer, including co-organizing multiple IUVA symposia. As an IUVA Board member since 2016, Dr. Hu’s dedication to advancing UV science and fostering regional and global partnerships exemplifies the spirit of this award.
For more information, visit https://iuva.org/2025_achievement_awards.