The 13th IWA Specialist Conference on Wastewater Ponds and Algal Technologies (WPAT22) will be held as a hybrid event, combining a face-to-face program in Melbourne, Australia (3-6 July 2022), with virtual sessions for those unable to attend in person. We are looking forward to the specialist group coming together again to share novel approaches to better engineer wastewater pond treatment for better public health outcomes, and to build knowledge of the underlying photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic microbial ecology. We are happy to offer the opportunity for knowledge exchange and networking among participants and hope to create an environment that inspires innovative thinking and generates collaboration, for both our virtual and face-to-face delegates.