Alessia Amato | Metal Recovery From Waste | Women Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr Alessia Amato | Metal Recovery From Waste | Women Researcher Award

Fixed-term researcher type B, Polytechnic University of Marche, Italy

Alessia Amato is a dedicated researcher at the Polytechnic University of Marche, Italy, specializing in the Theory for the Development of Chemical Processes (TDCP). With a strong focus on environmental sustainability, she actively contributes to innovative research in recycling, circular economy, and urban mining. Over her 10-year academic career, Alessia has established valuable collaborations with universities and industries both nationally and internationally, promoting sustainable practices. Her work not only addresses critical environmental challenges but also aims to empower women in science, encouraging diversity in research fields.

Profile

Scopus

Strengths for the Award

  1. Impressive Academic Background: Alessia holds multiple degrees in relevant fields, including a PhD focused on sustainable urban mining strategies. Her academic qualifications establish her as a leader in environmental sciences.
  2. Robust Research Portfolio: With ongoing projects related to sustainable management of waste and innovative recycling technologies, she demonstrates a commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges. Her experience spans both national and international research collaborations.
  3. Publication Record: With 51 published papers, an H-index of 19, and two published books, Alessia’s contributions to scientific literature are significant. Her research has been widely cited, underscoring her impact on the field.
  4. Innovation and Patents: Alessia has developed and submitted patents for waste management processes, showcasing her ability to translate research into practical applications that can benefit industry and society.
  5. Professional Engagement: Her editorial role and collaborations with various universities and industries reflect her dedication to advancing knowledge and practice in environmental sustainability.
  6. Focus on Circular Economy: Alessia’s emphasis on urban mining and critical raw materials is crucial for promoting a sustainable economy in Europe, aligning with current global sustainability goals.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Visibility and Outreach: While her research is impactful, increasing her visibility through more public engagement and outreach initiatives could amplify her influence in the broader community.
  2. Networking: Expanding her network within international organizations focused on sustainability could lead to more collaborative opportunities and greater dissemination of her work.
  3. Mentorship and Support for Women: Although Alessia is a role model for women in science, actively mentoring emerging female researchers could further strengthen her contribution to gender equality in academia.

Education

Alessia Amato graduated from Bologna University with a degree in Chemistry and Technologies for the Environment, laying a solid foundation for her future research. She furthered her studies by obtaining a Master’s in Environmental Sustainability and Civil Protection from the Polytechnic University of Marche in 2013. Alessia pursued her PhD in TDCP, where her thesis focused on “Innovative and Sustainable Strategies of Urban Mining.” This comprehensive academic background equipped her with the necessary skills to tackle complex environmental issues through innovative research and sustainable practices. Her education reflects her commitment to advancing knowledge in the field and highlights her dedication to creating a more sustainable future.

Experience 

Alessia Amato has a robust professional background, currently serving as a researcher in the Department of Life and Environmental Sciences at the Polytechnic University of Marche. She is an integral part of the Environmental Technologies research group, working on various national and international projects. Alessia has contributed to six completed projects and is currently involved in three ongoing research initiatives, focusing on sustainable waste management and innovative recycling technologies. Additionally, she consults for several companies, estimating their sustainability levels in sectors like oil refining, cosmetics, and waste treatment. Her experience in academia and industry bridges the gap between theoretical research and practical application, allowing her to drive impactful changes in sustainability practices. Through her teaching of environmental regulations and waste management, Alessia plays a vital role in educating future generations about sustainable practices.

Research Focus 

Alessia Amato’s research primarily revolves around urban mining, critical raw materials, and sustainability. Her work emphasizes the development of innovative strategies for waste recycling and management, contributing to the transition towards a circular economy. She explores hydrometallurgy and bio-hydrometallurgy techniques to enhance resource recovery from electronic waste, addressing significant environmental concerns. By analyzing life cycle assessments, Alessia aims to create more sustainable processes in various industries, ensuring minimal environmental impact. Her involvement in European projects underscores her commitment to advancing sustainable practices within the industry. Alessia’s research not only aims to improve waste management strategies but also to empower communities through education and collaboration, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainability. By focusing on integrating sustainability into industrial practices, her work plays a crucial role in shaping a greener future.

Publication Top Notes

  1. The application of the life cycle assessment and life cycle costing for the treatment of microelectronic industry effluents

  2. Marine materials as innovative metal sorbents suitable for applications in wastewater treatments

  3. Non-toxic, high selectivity process for the extraction of precious metals from waste printed circuit boards

  4. Life Cycle Assessment of Rare Earth Elements-Free Permanent Magnet Alternatives: Sintered Ferrite and Mn-Al-C

Conclusion

Alessia Amato is an exceptional candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her extensive research contributions, innovative approaches to sustainability, and commitment to advancing the circular economy position her as a leader in her field. Recognizing her efforts would not only honor her achievements but also inspire future generations of women researchers. Awarding her this recognition would reinforce the importance of diversity in scientific research and encourage more women to pursue careers in STEM.

 

 

Niloufar Salehi | Circular Supply Chains | Best Researcher Award

Ms Niloufar Salehi | Circular Supply Chains | Best Researcher Award

MS Niloufar Salehi , KTH Royal Institute of Technology , Sweden

Niloufar Salehi is a dedicated PhD candidate at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, specializing in Circular Manufacturing Systems. With over five years of experience, Niloufar excels in developing data-driven decision-support tools that facilitate the transition to sustainable manufacturing practices. Her strategic and analytical mindset empowers her to address complex challenges in the field, aiming for innovative solutions that contribute to a circular economy. Niloufar’s collaborative spirit has fostered partnerships with international universities and research institutes, enriching academic discourse and resulting in numerous publications. She is deeply committed to sustainability, believing that urgent action is needed to ensure a better future.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award

  1. Expertise in Circular Manufacturing: Niloufar has a deep understanding of Circular Manufacturing Systems, demonstrated through her extensive research and development of decision-support tools. Her work directly contributes to advancing sustainable practices in manufacturing.
  2. Strong Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Her ability to tackle complex challenges through multi-method simulation modeling shows a high level of analytical competence, making her a valuable asset in the field.
  3. Successful Project Management: Niloufar has effectively led and contributed to multiple EU-funded projects, showcasing her leadership in data gathering, project coordination, and stakeholder engagement.
  4. Collaborative Research Contributions: She has established fruitful collaborations with over four international universities, resulting in several impactful publications, reflecting her ability to work well in diverse research environments.
  5. Teaching and Mentoring: Her experience in teaching and supervising students demonstrates her commitment to knowledge dissemination and nurturing the next generation of researchers.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Impact Communication: While her research is impactful, enhancing her communication skills to reach broader audiences could amplify the visibility of her contributions.
  2. Networking Expansion: Increasing her involvement in industry conferences and workshops may provide additional platforms for sharing her research and establishing more collaborations.
  3. Interdisciplinary Approaches: Exploring intersections with other disciplines, such as social sciences or policy-making, could enrich her research and broaden its applicability.

Education 

Niloufar holds a PhD in Production Engineering from KTH Royal Institute of Technology (2018–2024), where her thesis focuses on creating multi-method simulation model-based decision-support tools for Circular Supply Chain implementation. Prior to her doctoral studies, she earned an MSc in Energy Systems Engineering from Sharif University of Technology in Iran (2014–2017), achieving a GPA of 17.78/20 and ranking in the top 10% of her class. Her master’s thesis concentrated on optimizing recovery technologies for municipal solid waste through a multi-criteria decision-making model, highlighting her strong foundation in sustainability. Niloufar’s academic journey began with a BSc in Chemical Engineering, also from Sharif University (2009–2013), where she laid the groundwork for her future research in sustainable engineering practices and environmental management.

Experience 

Niloufar’s professional journey spans significant roles, including her current position as a PhD candidate at KTH Royal Institute of Technology, where she leads data gathering and project management efforts for multiple EU-funded projects. Notably, she has contributed to Horizon Europe’s DiCiM project, focusing on digitalized value management for Circular Manufacturing Systems. In her role within H2020 ReCiPSS, she has been instrumental in transitioning linear supply chains to circular ones, developing multi-method simulation models that assess economic, environmental, and technical performance. Additionally, Niloufar has experience as a researcher at Sharif Energy Research Institute, where she conducted techno-economic analyses related to anaerobic digestion. Her extensive teaching experience includes courses on Circular Manufacturing Systems at KTH and guest lectures at various institutions, demonstrating her commitment to sharing knowledge and fostering future generations in the field.

Research Focus 

Niloufar’s research focuses on Circular Manufacturing Systems, specifically the development of decision-support tools that facilitate the implementation of circular supply chains. She employs multi-method simulation models to analyze the complexities of manufacturing systems and support sustainable practices. Her work emphasizes data-driven solutions for transitioning traditional linear supply chains into circular frameworks, addressing the urgent need for sustainability in manufacturing. Key areas of interest include resource efficiency, waste reduction, and the integration of digital technologies in manufacturing processes. Niloufar’s research contributions also explore stakeholder dynamics in circular supply chains, ensuring that economic, environmental, and technical aspects are considered for effective decision-making. Through collaboration with international partners and participation in various EU-funded projects, she aims to enhance academic knowledge and provide practical solutions that drive the adoption of circular economy principles in manufacturing.

Publications Top Notes

  • Amir, S., Salehi, N., Roci, M., Sweet, S., & Rashid, A. (2022). Towards circular economy: A guiding framework for circular supply chain implementation. 📚
  • Roci, M., Salehi, N., Amir, S., Shoaib-ul-Hasan, S., Asif, F. M. A., Mihelič, A., & Rashid, A. (2022). Towards circular manufacturing systems implementation: A complex adaptive systems perspective using modelling and simulation as a quantitative analysis tool. 🌍
  • Roci, M., Salehi, N., Amir, S., Asif, F. M. A., Shoaib-ul-Hasan, S., & Rashid, A. (2022). Multi-method simulation modelling of circular manufacturing systems for enhanced decision-making. 🛠️
  • Salehi, N., Amir, S., Roci, M., Shoaib-ul-Hasan, S., Asif, F. M. A., Mihelič, A., Sweet, S., & Rashid, A. (2024). Towards circular manufacturing systems implementation: An integrated analysis framework for circular supply chains. 🔄
  • Asif, F. M., Salehi, N., & Lieder, M. (2022). Consumer Perceptions of the Circular Business Model: A Case of Leasing Strollers. 👶
  • Kokare, S., Asif, F. M. A., Mårtensson, G., Shoaib-ul-Hasan, S., Rashid, A., Roci, M., & Salehi, N. (2021). A comparative life cycle assessment of stretchable and rigid electronics: a case study of cardiac monitoring devices. ❤️
  • Shoaib-ul-Hasan, S., Roci, M., Asif, F. M. A., Salehi, N., & Rashid, A. (2021). Analyzing temporal variability in inventory data for life cycle assessment: Implications in the context of circular economy. 📊
  • Villamil Velasquez, C., Salehi, N., & Hallstedt, S. I. (2020). How Can Information and Communications Technology Support the Link Between Circular Economy and Product Life Cycle Management? – a Review. 💻
  • Salehi, N., Mahmoudi, M., Bazargan, A., & McKay, G. (2019). Exergy and Life Cycle-Based Analysis. In C. M. Hussain (Ed.), Handbook of Environmental Materials Management (pp. 1057–1078). 📖

Conclusion

Niloufar Salehi exemplifies the qualities of a leading researcher in the field of Circular Manufacturing Systems. Her strong foundation in data-driven decision support, coupled with her project management and collaborative skills, positions her as a frontrunner for the Best Researcher Award. With targeted improvements in communication and networking, she has the potential to significantly elevate her impact in both academic and industrial contexts.