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Queen Mary University of London and Mae Fah Luang University join forces to tackle waste reduction and promote sustainable development in Thailand

27 February 2023

Dr Han Zhang with Dr Nattakan Soykeabkaew (right) and her group members (Phattharasaya Rattanawongkun, Supattra Klayya) at Mae Fah Luang University
Dr Han Zhang with Dr Nattakan Soykeabkaew (right) and her group members (Phattharasaya Rattanawongkun, Supattra Klayya) at Mae Fah Luang University
Dr Han Zhang delivering seminar entitled 'Sustainable Composites towards a Circular Economy' at Mae Fah Luang University
Dr Han Zhang delivering seminar entitled "Sustainable Composites towards a Circular Economy" at Mae Fah Luang University

Queen Mary University of London and Mae Fah Luang University in Thailand have announced the success of their collaboration to address waste reduction and promote sustainable development, which was initially funded by Queen Mary Global Challenge Research Fund and British Council Newton Institutional Link programme. In February 2023, Dr. Han Zhang has been invited to Mae Fah Luang University to deliver training and teaching sessions alongside a special seminar on the topic of "Sustainable Composites towards a Circular Economy".

The partnership has established solid foundations and had a lasting impact beyond the project timeframe. It has resulted in joint publications on green nanocomposite coatings for moulded pulp packaging materials (doi.org/10.1002/pi.6469 and doi.org/10.1080/20550324.2021.1949517), which have been widely reported in the news (Materials Today, The Engineer, AZO Materials and Packaging Insights). This work has demonstrated the potential of sustainable materials and processes to make a real difference in waste reduction and sustainable development.

In addition to the joint publications, the collaboration has delivered several training sessions for local farmers on waste reduction techniques, building local capacity and promoting sustainable development in the region known for its agricultural industry.

"The partnership between Mae Fah Luang University and Queen Mary University of London has been beneficial in promoting sustainable development in the region," said Dr. Nattakan Soykeabkaew, Assistant Professor at Mae Fah Luang University. "Through the collaboration, we have utilised materials innovation to solve local environmental challenges and delivered training sessions to local farmers on waste reduction techniques. This international collaboration has enabled us to make a significant impact in waste reduction and sustainable development."

"The funding from Queen Mary University of London and British Council Newton Institutional Links programme was crucial in enabling us to establish this partnership and undertake this important work," said Dr. Han Zhang, Senior Lecturer in Materials Science at Queen Mary University of London. "Although these funding schemes have now finished, the lasting impact of our collaboration is evident in the joint publications, the training and teaching activities, and the wider impact on sustainable development."

The successful collaboration between Queen Mary University of London and Mae Fah Luang University in tackling waste reduction and promoting sustainable development highlights the immense potential of international partnerships in addressing global challenges. The joint publications and training sessions on waste reduction techniques demonstrate the impact of utilizing sustainable materials and processes, and building local capacity to achieve lasting positive outcomes. The model established by this partnership can serve as an inspiration for future collaborations to make a significant impact in reducing waste and promoting sustainable development worldwide.

Contact:Han Zhang
Email:han.zhang@qmul.ac.uk
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Updated by: Han Zhang