Hubbry Logo
Discover Hubs
Create HubSign in
search buttonadd
Sign in
Veena Sahajwalla
Veena Sahajwalla
Comunity Hub
IntroIntro
WikipediaWikipedia
MediaMedia
arrow-down
TimelinesTimelines
arrow-down
ChronicleChronicle
arrow-down
ArticlesArticles
TalksTalks
addSign in
add
Sign in

Themed Timelines

International CollaborationsInternational CollaborationsAwards and RecognitionAwards and RecognitionLeadership of the SMaRT Centre at UNSWLeadership of the SMaRT Centre at UNSWPublic Engagement and AdvocacyPublic Engagement and AdvocacyEarly Life and Education (India)Early Life and Education (India)Main milestonesMain milestonesAcademic Journey at UNSW SydneyAcademic Journey at UNSW SydneyDevelopment and Impact of Green Steel TechnologyDevelopment and Impact of Green Steel Technology
Talks
General forumGeneral forum
General chatGeneral chat

Media Collections

Veena Sahajwalla - Australian scientist

Main images

03.04.25
Show all
icon
Veena Sahajwalla is an Indian-Australian inventor and materials scientist renowned for her pioneering work in 'green steel' and microrecycling. She is a Professor of Materials Science at UNSW Sydney and the director of the UNSW Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT) Centre. Her innovative approaches transform waste materials into valuable resources, addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices within industry and communities.
Main Milestones
Birth in Mumbai, India
1955
Veena Sahajwalla was born in Mumbai, India. Her early exposure to resource scarcity and the importance of waste management in a developing country profoundly influenced her future research focus. This background instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility towards environmental sustainability.
PhD in Materials Science at the University of Michigan
1986
Veena Sahajwalla earned her PhD in Materials Science from the University of Michigan. This rigorous academic training provided her with a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of materials science and engineering, essential for her later work in materials transformation and recycling.
Joined UNSW Sydney
1994
Sahajwalla joined the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney. This marked the beginning of her long and distinguished academic career in Australia, where she established herself as a leading researcher in sustainable materials science and engineering. Her research has helped the UNSW to be seen as a world leader for environmentally innovative research.
Founding of the SMaRT Centre
2005
Sahajwalla founded the Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT) Centre at UNSW. This centre became a hub for her groundbreaking research in microrecycling and the development of innovative technologies to transform waste into valuable resources. The centre serves to make an impact and develop practical solutions for global waste problems.
Development of 'Green Steel' Technology
2008
Sahajwalla achieved a major breakthrough with the development of 'green steel' technology. This innovative process uses recycled rubber tires as a partial replacement for coke in steelmaking, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing the environmental problem of tire waste. This was an innovation that helped to shape her image as an inventor.
Australian Research Council Laureate Fellowship
2012
Sahajwalla was awarded an Australian Research Council (ARC) Laureate Fellowship. This prestigious fellowship provided her with significant funding and support to further her research on transforming waste into valuable resources, solidifying her position as a leading researcher in the field.
Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia
2013
Sahajwalla was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant service to science and engineering, particularly in the field of sustainable materials processing and recycling. This honour recognised her substantial contributions to environmental sustainability and innovation.
Launch of the Microfactory Movement
2018
Professor Sahajwalla and her team at the SMaRT Centre pioneered the concept of Microfactories. These are small-scale, modular recycling facilities designed to process various waste streams locally. The concept has gained significant traction and is being implemented in different communities to decentralise recycling and promote a circular economy. Veena and the SMART Centre launched the first e-waste Microfactory, which has been the first of many to come.
Continuing Research and Advocacy
Present
Veena Sahajwalla continues to lead research at the SMaRT Centre, focusing on developing innovative microrecycling technologies and promoting the circular economy. She is a strong advocate for sustainable practices and actively engages with industry and policymakers to implement her research findings on a larger scale. She is often sought after to give keynote addresses and interviews.

Other Themed Timelines

Academic Journey at UNSW SydneyAcademic Journey at UNSW SydneyAwards and RecognitionAwards and RecognitionDevelopment and Impact of Green Steel TechnologyDevelopment and Impact of Green Steel TechnologyEarly Life and Education (India)Early Life and Education (India)International CollaborationsInternational CollaborationsLeadership of the SMaRT Centre at UNSWLeadership of the SMaRT Centre at UNSWPublic Engagement and AdvocacyPublic Engagement and Advocacy