This timeline highlights Veena Sahajwalla's role as the Founding Director of the Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT) Centre at UNSW, a leading research institution dedicated to finding innovative solutions for waste recycling.
Establishment of the SMaRT Centre
2008
Veena Sahajwalla founded the SMaRT Centre at UNSW, with the mission of transforming waste into valuable resources through innovative recycling technologies. This center became a hub for interdisciplinary research in sustainable materials science.
Development of Microfactories
2008 - Present
Under Sahajwalla's leadership, the SMaRT Centre pioneered the concept of Microfactories, small-scale recycling plants that can transform various waste streams into new products. These Microfactories offer a decentralized and localized approach to waste management.
Research on Various Waste Streams
2008 - Present
The SMaRT Centre conducts research on a wide range of waste streams, including electronic waste, plastics, textiles, and glass, developing innovative technologies for their recovery and reuse.
Collaboration with Industry and Government
2008 - Present
Sahajwalla has fostered strong collaborations between the SMaRT Centre and industry partners, government agencies, and community organizations to promote the adoption of sustainable waste management practices.
