Catalysing change: moving towards a circular economy

Catalysing Change

A circular economy is one that rejects the typical cycle of ‘make, use, dispose’ in favour of re-using and recycling as much as possible.

Extending the life of products and materials prevents the over-generation of waste and recovers the full value of products. This creates new business opportunities and revenue streams, while minimising the environmental impact of mining, resource extraction, refining and manufacture.

It is a huge opportunity for businesses to transform their practices from ‘take, make and throw away’ to a system that designs for abundance not scarcity.

In light of the potential benefits of a circular economy, Future Earth Australia and the Australian Academy of Science are facilitating a seminar and workshop to bring leaders in the fields of science, economics, entrepreneurship, government, industry and consumers together with young researchers to build the networks that will underpin a successful circular economy.

Speakers:

  • Professor Veena Sahajwalla (science)
  • Professor Scott Valentine (economics)
  • Ashleigh and Jaine Morris from Coreo (entrepreneurship)
  • Professor Kate Auty (government)
  • More speakers to be announced

Dinner: Dinner: 6pm–9pm, 19 November

Workshop: 9am–5pm, 20 November

Location: The Shine Dome, 15 Gordon Street, Canberra

Audience: Honours level students with an interest in the circular economy or the Sustainable Development Goals

Places available: 36

Application process: To apply to attend please complete the application form using the link on the right-hand side of the page. Applications close Sunday 29 September, and will be assessed by the Future Earth Australia Early-Career Researcher and Practitioner team. Successful applicants will be notified by Monday 14 October. Travel to and from Canberra and accommodation on Tuesday 19 November will be covered for successful applicants.

Future Earth Australia is thankful to the McDougall Family for their generous donation which has made this event possible. Professor Ian McDougall was a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and was highly respected in Australia and around the world for his pioneering work in the field of earth sciences.