• Funding will prepare three scientists to improve sustainable development in their country
• The University has won British Council International Science Partnerships funding of £180,000
• The University already has close ties with the sustainability sector in the Philippines.

Aston University is to help tackle sustainability problems in the Philippines by offering training to three of the country’s early career researchers.

The University has won British Council International Science Partnerships funding of £180,000 to host three scientists in the UK.

The University already has close ties with the sustainability sector in the country and is currently exploring the use of rice straw as an alternative fuel.

Dr Abed Alaswad, head of the Aston Centre of Engineering for Sustainable Development is leading the project. He said: “From an Aston University perspective, this project will aim to further boost our international development research as manifested in the Engineering for Sustainable Development Research Centre.

“This new venture highlights our 2030 Strategy purpose, which is to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation.”

The aim of the three fellowships, which will last up to 12 months each, is to prepare the scientists to respond to sustainable development challenges in their country.

The three researchers will be supervised by Dr Mirjam Roeder, who is based at the University’s Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI). They will also benefit from an industrial placement designed to boost their careers.

Dr Roeder said: “I am delighted to supervise and support the three fellows, which will draw on my long track record of early career researcher supervision and mentorship of overseas researchers, including from the Philippines.

“I have more than a decade’s worth of experience working on sustainable technology deployment in the Philippines. Building on the industry, policy and community partnerships EBRI has developed and strengthened during these years, this new opportunity will support the development and progression of talented early career researchers from the Philippines. This will support the UK’s and the Philippines’ efforts to strengthen global partnership for a sustainable future.”

This latest award builds on numerous similar programmes with other countries including a Women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) fellowship programme within Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies and a Women in STEM Masters programme.