Dr Jo Burgess

MD South Africa & Head of Trial Reservoir – Isle Utilities

PhD Environmental Biotechnology; MRes Water Pollution Control Technology; BSc (Hons) Environmental Biology; SFWISA, MIWA, MRSSAf. Visiting Professor, University of Cape Town.

Jo is an environmental scientist with >20 years’ experience in the water, environment and wastewater sectors. At Isle, she is responsible for the Trial Reservoir, an initiative that aims to mitigate 30,000 tonnes of CO2eq per year by accelerating the uptake and application of technologies to take the water industry towards net zero carbon. The Trial Reservoir provides independent validation and loan funding for technology trials that trigger full scale, commercial implementation.

Prior to joining Isle Jo held roles as a researcher and research manager. She has proven experience in research and development of new technologies. Her work at the academic / industrial interface has been recognised through international awards (such as the Royal Academy of Engineers, Society of Chemical Industry and Institute of Chemical Engineers). Her work has involved academic, public sector and private sector partners. Jo is a director on the board of ROCKBlue, a non-profit NGO that supports utilities in Africa with good governance and financial management. She was the 2014-2016 chair of the board of the Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) and a director until 2019. Jo lives in Africa and revels in rising to its challenges.