Water Scientist Wins Top Prize for Life-Saving Work

A Michigan State University professor has won the 2026 Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize for pioneering work that's making drinking water safer for communities around the globe.

Professor Joan Rose developed Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA), a science-based approach that helps water systems identify and prevent microscopic dangers before they reach people's taps. Think of it as a sophisticated early warning system that protects public health by catching potential problems in drinking water and water reuse systems.

The impact of her work stretches far beyond the laboratory. Her research has shaped water safety policies worldwide and played a key role in Singapore's innovative NEWater program, which safely recycles wastewater into high-grade drinking water for millions of people.

"Safe water is one of the world's most fundamental yet unevenly distributed resources critical to sustaining human life," Rose said after receiving the honor. She's the 11th recipient of the prestigious prize, which comes with a gold medallion and recognition as a global leader in water solutions.

Rose serves as the Homer Nowlin Chair in Water Research and directs the Water Alliance at Michigan State University. Her research tackles everything from detecting dangerous pathogens in water to understanding how climate change affects water quality at beaches and recreation areas.

The numbers tell the story of her influence. Over her career, she's published more than 300 scientific papers that have been cited over 43,000 times by other researchers building on her foundation.

The Ripple Effect

Rose's work matters because microbial threats to water safety keep evolving, and communities need robust systems to stay ahead of them. Her risk assessment framework gives water managers the tools to make evidence-based decisions that protect public health.

The approach she pioneered now helps cities and countries worldwide strengthen their water treatment processes, ensure safe water reuse, and respond to emerging threats. From Singapore's cutting-edge recycling systems to communities upgrading aging infrastructure, her science is making water safer for people everywhere.

Rose will receive her award on June 16 at Singapore International Water Week, where she'll also deliver a keynote lecture sharing insights from decades of protecting public health through water science.

Clean, safe water flows a little more reliably today because one scientist dedicated her career to keeping invisible dangers at bay.