Professor Von Sperling is the recipient of the IWA Global Water Award, which recognises an innovative leader who has made a significant contribution to a water-wise world. The award was presented at the Digital World Water Congress in 2021.

Marcos Von Sperling is a Brazilian professor in Environmental Engineering at the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais in Brazil, with over 40 years of experience and research on wastewater and water pollution. His research, which has influenced policy in Latin America and beyond, has inspired many students, researchers and policy-makers.