The increasing concentrations and diversity of trace pollutants and pathogens in the water cycle are a challenge with regard to their classification, assessment and elimination. As a result the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) initiated the funding measure "Risk Management of Emerging Compounds and Pathogens in the Water Cycle (RiSKWa)". The aim of the programme is to develop innovative technologies and concepts for the risk management of these compounds towards a preventive environmental and health protection based on an application-oriented approach. Having started between October 2011 and January 2012, 12 joint research projects with more than 90 actors from science, industry, society and authorities are working on "Risk characterisation and management", "Technologies for emission and immission management" and "Measures for communication and education" during the next 3 years. © 2013 Huckele and Track.; licensee Springer.