University of NSW Professor Veena Sahajwalla, founding director of the Centre for Sustainable Materials Research & Technology (SMaRT) at UNSW, was recently honored as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for her remarkable contributions to science, engineering, sustainable materials research, technology, and waste management. The AO is a prestigious recognition of distinguished service to Australia and humanity at large.
Prof. Sahajwalla established the SMaRT Lab at UNSW in 2008 with a focus on recycling science and waste management. Over the years, she pioneered the innovative concept of micro-factories in manufacturing businesses to recycle available waste materials. Her pioneering work led to the creation of the first micro-factory at the SMaRT Lab in 2018, where e-waste from old technology was recycled to salvage valuable materials like gold, electrical conductors, and rare earth elements. Additionally, glass and plastic were melted down and repurposed into industrial-grade ceramics and plastic filaments for 3D printing.
Moreover, Prof. Sahajwalla developed green steel by utilizing old truck tires as a sustainable alternative to coal in steel production. This groundbreaking process, known as polymer injection technology, involves grinding the tires into pellets for burning instead of coal, significantly reducing emissions and diverting millions of tires from landfills. Notably, Australian giant OneSteel has adopted her innovative approach in their operations.
The esteemed engineer and inventor expressed her gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing that the Order of Australia serves as a motivation to continue her impactful work. She highlighted the importance of developing solutions for real-world sustainability challenges that deliver positive social, environmental, and economic outcomes. Prof. Sahajwalla credited her success to the support of her university, family, students, and colleagues, acknowledging their contributions to her journey.
In addition to Prof. Sahajwalla’s well-deserved recognition, her UNSW colleague, Prof. Bronwyn Fox, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Enterprise, also received an AO for her exceptional service to public administration, scientific research, advanced manufacturing, and tertiary education. The Australia Day honours list also featured Adrian Di Marco, the pioneering founder of TechnologyOne, who received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his significant contributions to the startup ecosystem.
Furthermore, materials scientist, startups advisor, angel investor, and renewables pioneer Sylvia Tulloch was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her outstanding achievements. ANU Emeritus Professor Andrew Blakers, renowned for his expertise in high-efficiency solar cells and pumped hydro energy storage, was among the distinguished individuals receiving the AO.
In conclusion, the recognition of these exceptional individuals in the fields of science, engineering, and entrepreneurship highlights the importance of innovation, sustainability, and dedication in driving positive change. Their contributions serve as inspiration for future generations to pursue excellence and make a meaningful impact on society.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the significance of Prof. Veena Sahajwalla’s recognition as an Officer of the Order of Australia?
- Answer: Prof. Veena Sahajwalla’s recognition as an Officer of the Order of Australia signifies her distinguished service to science, engineering, sustainable materials research, technology, and waste management.
- How did Prof. Sahajwalla pioneer the concept of micro-factories in manufacturing businesses?
- Answer: Prof. Sahajwalla introduced the concept of micro-factories to recycle available waste materials and promote sustainability in manufacturing operations.
- What innovative approach did Prof. Sahajwalla develop for recycling e-waste at the SMaRT Lab?
- Answer: Prof. Sahajwalla’s innovative approach involved salvaging valuable materials from e-waste, such as gold, electrical conductors, and rare earth elements, while repurposing glass and plastic into industrial-grade ceramics and 3D printing filaments.
- How did Prof. Sahajwalla contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through green steel production?
- Answer: Prof. Sahajwalla’s green steel initiative utilized old truck tires as a sustainable alternative to coal in steel manufacturing, significantly reducing emissions and diverting millions of tires from landfills.
- What other notable recognitions were featured in the Australia Day honours list?
- Answer: The Australia Day honours list also included Prof. Bronwyn Fox, Adrian Di Marco, Sylvia Tulloch, and ANU Emeritus Professor Andrew Blakers for their remarkable contributions to science, technology, and entrepreneurship.
- What role did Prof. Bronwyn Fox play in advancing public administration, scientific research, and tertiary education?
- Answer: Prof. Bronwyn Fox was recognized for her distinguished service in public administration, scientific research, advanced manufacturing, and tertiary education throughout her career.
- How did Adrian Di Marco contribute to the startup ecosystem in Australia?
- Answer: Adrian Di Marco, the pioneering founder of TechnologyOne, made significant contributions to the startup ecosystem by establishing one of the country’s first startups and listing it on the ASX in 1999.
- What accomplishments led to Sylvia Tulloch being appointed a Member of the Order of Australia?
- Answer: Sylvia Tulloch’s accomplishments as a materials scientist, startups advisor, angel investor, and renewables pioneer culminated in her appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia for her outstanding contributions.
- What expertise does ANU Emeritus Professor Andrew Blakers possess in the field of renewable energy?
- Answer: ANU Emeritus Professor Andrew Blakers is renowned for his expertise in high-efficiency solar cells and pumped hydro energy storage, contributing significantly to advancements in renewable energy technologies.
- How do the recognitions of these distinguished individuals inspire future generations in science, engineering, and entrepreneurship?
- Answer: The recognitions of these exceptional individuals serve as inspiration for future generations to pursue excellence, innovation, and sustainability in their endeavors, driving positive change and societal impact.
Tags: startup, sustainability, innovation, technology, entrepreneurship, science, recycling, sustainability initiatives, environmental impact.
- Answer: The recognitions of these exceptional individuals serve as inspiration for future generations to pursue excellence, innovation, and sustainability in their endeavors, driving positive change and societal impact.
