Ruizhe Pei is the Chair of the IWA Young Water Professionals Switzerland Chapter and a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Vienna. His research focuses on using microbial ecology to enhance wastewater treatment processes and develop next-generation treatment plants with improved circularity. With a background in environmental engineering, he has experience in both fundamental and applied research, collaborating with public agencies and private technology providers. His expertise in bioprocess design, resource recovery, and microbial ecology helps bridge research with societal challenges.