Scientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla AO

Scientia Professor Veena Sahajwalla AO is a world-leading pioneer in recycling science and materials sustainability.

As the founding Director of the Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT) Centre at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Veena leads her team in creating innovative environmental solutions for the world’s biggest waste challenges.

Through the UNSW SMaRT Centre, she has pioneered the science of microrecycling, developing technologies to convert hard-to-recycle waste into value-added products and feedstock for remanufacturing - understanding waste at the molecular level and creating solutions that go beyond conventional recycling methods. 

Veena was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to science as an engineer and inventor, to sustainable materials research and technology and waste management.

She says her motivation stems from her passion for the environment and the belief that Australia could make a significant impact on global sustainability. 

“While I’ve jointly raised a family and lived most of my life here in Australia, I grew up in Mumbai and learned that there are many different ways in which we can show care, compassion and be innovative with the limited materials and resources around us,” she says.

“Instead of just tinkering at the edges of the waste problem, we need a complete shift in our mindset and more creative thinking.”

SMaRT Centre innovations, such as the Green Steel Polymer Injection Technology™ and modular MICROfactories™ are groundbreaking; transforming waste rubber tyres into materials for steel making and converting different waste types into products for remanufacturing.

Veena says she feels honoured to be recognised in the Order of Australia and is motivated to do more.

“I thank all who have been part of my journey, and especially UNSW Sydney for enabling me to pursue my passion and dreams. Students and staff I’ve worked with have been so inspirational to me and many of them have become champions of the field of science we have been pioneering,” she says.

“I deeply thank my family for their understanding of my ongoing focus and drive, as well as my occasional crazy fixations on solving waste problems.”

“We as a nation are very passionate about things that matter, and recognition like the Australian honours and awards system helps people make their mark on the planet.”