The inaugural International Conference on Sustainability, Circularity, Outreach and Policy for Environment (SCOPE 2025) was successfully convened at IIT Kanpur from 20–22 November 2025, under the theme “Reimagining Water Futures: Circularity, Smart Systems, and Sustainable Services.” The conference brought together approximately 190 participants representing academia, research, industry, and allied sectors.

Over three days, SCOPE 2025 provided a multidisciplinary forum for advancing dialogue on emerging challenges and transformative approaches in water and wastewater management, resource circularity, environmental sustainability, climate resilience, smart water systems, and technology-enabled environmental management.

The scientific programme featured 17 keynote addresses by eminent experts from India and abroad, complemented by industry presentations, research contributions, poster presentations, and an expert panel discussion.

Technical contributions were organized across eight thematic tracks, encompassing water and waste circularity, AI/ML applications in water-quality prediction and control, smart water-supply systems, industrial water use and pollution, climate extremes, nature-based water and wastewater treatment, wastewater bioremediation, and advanced water-purification solutions.

The conference programme further highlighted emerging directions including AI-driven environmental modelling, remote sensing for river monitoring, climate and flood resilience, advanced membrane technologies, nanotechnology, biological treatment, circular water management, and integrated water–energy–waste systems. The event culminated in a panel discussion on the way forward for water circularity in developing countries, followed by the valedictory session and presentation of certificates and awards.

With participation from leading academic and research institutions and engagement across academia and industry, SCOPE 2025 established a strong platform for interdisciplinary knowledge exchange, collaboration, and dialogue on sustainable environmental solutions, laying the foundation for subsequent editions of the SCOPE conference series.