Dozens of public health experts from across New York state and beyond convened at Syracuse University in October 2025 for an event organized by David Larsen, professor and chair of public health.

The New York State 2025 Wastewater Surveillance Summit was co-sponsored by the state Department of Health (DOH) and featured talks, demonstrations and activities. The summit was attended by a range of professionals in the field including utility operators, policymakers, researchers and community leaders from as far away as Puerto Rico. They examined novel advances, shared real-world applications and fostered cross-sector collaboration to strengthen public health through wastewater data.

The summit was the result of Larsen’s partnership with the DOH. He worked with the department at the onset of the COVID pandemic to establish a wastewater surveillance system throughout New York state that could respond to the pandemic as well as emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. Syracuse University is now recognized as a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Center of Excellence in wastewater surveillance.

Maxwell and Syracuse leaders are optimistic that the summit and other engagements with the DOH will spur greater collaboration and opportunities for faculty, students and alumni. Ideas for partnerships were discussed in the spring, during a visit to DOH headquarters in Albany, New York. Dean David M. Van Slyke and several colleagues met with DOH Commissioner Dr. James McDonald and members of his leadership team.

“The historic accomplishments of public health over the last century have made our lives safer and healthier—yet this work is never done,” said McDonald following the meetings. “Future advancements and breakthroughs in all aspects of public health depend on continued education and research.”

By Jessica Youngman