Building on the success of the first edition, the 2nd WES-Luxembourg Day organized by the LIST (Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology) will once again bring together experts and stakeholders to emphasize the crucial role of wastewater and environmental surveillance in safeguarding public health.

This year’s edition will focus particularly on the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), showcasing how wastewater and environmental surveillance can help detect and track resistance genes and resistant pathogens at both national and European levels. This topic is especially timely, given that the revised EU Directive 2024/3019 on urban wastewater treatment requires AMR surveillance in wastewater in urban areas with a population equivalent of over 100,000 (Article 17). Current efforts to tackle AMR through innovative surveillance strategies will be illustrated by national initiatives (such as “Plan national antibiotiques”) and European projects (such as EU-JAMRAI and EU-WISH).

In the afternoon, participants will have the opportunity to take part in a serious game designed to address the question of how countries can prepare for emerging pathogens and new epidemics. This interactive session offers a playful and engaging way to brainstorm, experiment with crisis scenarios, and explore how wastewater and environmental surveillance can support timely and effective responses. Participants will also discover an approach that could be adapted to other public health challenges in the future by testing this new form of communication and exchange.