About
Dr Heather Smith is Senior Lecturer in Water Governance at Cranfield Water Science Institute, Cranfield University. Her research examines the governance, institutions and societal dimensions of water and wastewater services, with particular focus on circular economy transitions and stakeholder engagement.
Education includes BSc in Environmental Science from University of Alberta, MSc in Water Science from University of Oxford, and PhD from University of Aberdeen examining water framework directive implementation.
Research explores governance challenges for emerging water technologies including circular resource recovery and water reuse schemes. Work emphasizes socio-political dimensions of water management and institutional adaptation.
Publications address public perceptions of water technologies, regulatory frameworks for circular water solutions, and customer priorities in water services. Recent work focuses on terminology reform for water regulation and enabling circular water economies.
Collaborates with EU Horizon 2020 projects (NextGen, ULTIMATE) examining industry-water utility symbiosis. Engages utilities, regulators and technology providers to facilitate water sector innovation.
