Biography

Jo Burgess is an environmental scientist with more than 20 years’ experience in the water, environment and wastewater sectors. At Isle, she is responsible for the Trial Reservoirs, international initiatives that aim to mitigate climate change, enable progress towards the circular economy, and support environmental justice. Prior to joining Isle, Jo held roles as a researcher and research manager. She has proven experience in research and development of new technologies. Her work at the academic / industrial interface has been recognised through ten international awards (such as the Royal Academy of Engineers, Society of Chemical Industry and Institute of Chemical Engineers). Her work has involved academic, public sector and private sector partners. Jo is a former director on the board of ROCKBlue, a non-profit NGO that supports utilities in Africa with good governance and financial management. She was the 2014-2016 chair of the board of the Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) and remained a director of the company until 2019. She is a previous chair of the WISA Mine Water Division, and a Distinguished Fellow of the International Water Association (IWA). She is also a Member of the Royal Society (RSSAf), and the founding president of the IWA / WISA South African Young Water Professionals, an organisation which now numbers its members in the thousands. Jo is currently an editor for the journal, Water Science and Technology (IWA Publishing).