Professor Joan Bray Rose, Homer Nowlin Chair in Water Research and Director of the Water Alliance at
Michigan State University and Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize 2026 Laureate.

AMERICAN MICROBIOLOGIST HONOURED FOR TRANSFORMING WATER RISK MANAGEMENT WORLDWIDE

Joan Bray Rose has been named the recipient of the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize 2026, in recognition of her groundbreaking contributions to global water safety and public health.

The award will be presented on 16 June 2026 at the official opening of the Singapore International Water Week 2026 in Singapore, where Professor Rose will receive a gold medallion, an award certificate and a cash prize of S$300,000. She is also scheduled to deliver a keynote lecture on the same day.

Professor Rose, currently the Homer Nowlin Chair in Water Research and Director of the Water Alliance at Michigan State University, is widely recognised for pioneering the development and global adoption of Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA). This science-based framework enables the prediction and management of microbial risks in water systems, shifting industry practices from reactive responses to proactive prevention.

Her work originated from investigations into major waterborne disease outbreaks in the United States, including the 1993 Cryptosporidiosis outbreak in Milwaukee. Through her research, she identified critical gaps in conventional water treatment and monitoring systems, demonstrating how pathogens could evade detection and pose significant public health risks.

The introduction of QMRA in the 1990s marked a turning point in water safety. By allowing scientists and regulators to quantify infection risks based on pathogen levels and exposure patterns, the approach has since been widely adopted in international guidelines, including those of the World Health Organization and regulatory frameworks in multiple countries.

Beyond drinking water, Professor Rose extended QMRA to water reuse systems, strengthening global confidence in recycled water as a sustainable resource. Her contributions have influenced water reuse regulations in regions such as the United States, Australia and Europe, and supported the advancement of sustainable water management practices worldwide.

In Singapore, Professor Rose has worked closely with the national water agency, PUB, for over two decades, contributing to the development and safety assurance of NEWater, the country’s recycled water supply. Her involvement included serving on expert panels and advising on water quality monitoring and public health standards, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a global leader in water management.

Professor Joan Rose with Mr Ong Tze Chin, Chief Executive of PUB (right) and Dr Pang Chee Meng, Director of the Water Quality Department, PUB (left) at the 2026 Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize media conference.

Commenting on the award, Professor Rose stated that safe water remains a fundamental yet unevenly distributed resource, and emphasised the importance of strengthening resilient water systems as microbial risks continue to evolve.

The Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize, presented in partnership with Temasek Foundation, is one of the world’s leading honours recognising outstanding contributions to solving global water challenges. The 2026 edition of Singapore International Water Week is expected to gather more than 2,500 industry leaders and over 25,000 trade visitors from across the globe.