Circular economy as a theme at the Research Interdisciplinary Lab event of Tampere University and Brunel University of London

The theme of the first joint Interdisciplinary Research Lab (BTRIL) event between Tampere University and Brunel University of London was "Circularity: Capability, creativity, challenges and change". The event took place in November 13-14, 2024, in Beaconsfield, near London. The aim of the event was to strengthen collaboration between researchers, catalyse new interdisciplinary research projects on circularity, and identify relevant funding opportunities for joint research projects.

The BTRIL event was attended by 12 researchers from three different faculties of Tampere University (MAB, ITC and ENS) and 15 researchers from different faculties from the University of Brunel London. Vice Dean for Research, Professor Johanna Kujala from the MAB Faculty, Tampere University, and Professor David Gallear from Brunel Business School acted as the scientific leaders of the event, and they mentored the researchers’ discussions. The event was facilitated by consultants Sarah Willcox and Philip Ratcliff from Fairisle Consulting. 

As a result of the intensive group discussions, four groups consisting of researchers from both universities were formed, who were interested in different themes related to the circular economy. These themes were responsible circularity, the political economy of repair culture, carbon-neutral construction and the production of zero-emission hydrogen. At the end of the event, the groups presented their preliminary research plans. After the event, the groups will start planning next steps in more detailed and they will present their concrete research and funding plans at an online pitching event to be held in January.

After the two-day BTRIL event, researchers from Tampere University were able to visit Brunel University of London's campus and, in particular, the BCAST (Centre for Advanced Solidification Technology), where, for example, the recycling of aluminium is studied, and the School of Chemical Engineering, where, for example, battery recycling is examined.

Thank you for all participants!

Text: Hanna Salminen
Photos: Anna Liddle