University of Mindanao (UM) scientist Dr. Chosel Lawagon has bagged the prestigious Green Talents Award for Sustainability in Germany for her study on upcycling waste through nanotechnology.
Dr. Lawagon was among the 25 awardees of the German government’s Green Talents – International Forum for High Potentials in Sustainable Development tilt this year which honored researchers around the world for their innovative ideas to promote sustainable development during a virtual awards ceremony on October 15, 2021.
The Filipina scientist is a Director at the Center for Green Nanotechnology Innovations for Environmental Solutions at the University of Mindanao. Her research primarily focuses on upcycling waste through nanotechnology.
Dr. Lawagon’s winning research project is funded by the Philippine Department of Science and Technology (DOST) where is part of the Balik Scientist program.
Her idea is to convert the waste into nanoparticles that can be incorporated into smart concrete for structural applications.
Another study by Dr. Lawagon aims to provide a cheaper alternative to solar panels to generate renewable energy for far-flung communities and remote areas in the Philippines.
Together with the UM College of Engineering and College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Lawagon is also currently conducting basic research to study the impact of landfill leachate on nearby rivers in Davao City.
The jury of German experts noted that Dr. Lawagon’s research projects are aligned with the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs):
- UN Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)
- UN Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)
- UN Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure)
As a winner of the annual Green Talents competition, Dr. Lawagon participated in the virtual Green Talents Science Forum which gives junior researchers the opportunity to explore Germany’s sustainability research landscape, as well network with German researchers and meet their fellow award winners.
She will travel to Germany next year for three months of research in a German partner institution of her choice.
The “Green Talents – International Forum for High Potentials in Sustainable Development” is hosted by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) to honor up-and-coming researchers for their achievements and efforts to make their communities, countries, and societies more sustainable.
The University of Mindanao – Davao City Campus student innovation Alipugpug Tech Solution represented the Philippines in the Hult Prize 2021 competition in the United Kingdom.
SEND CONGRATULATIONS in the comments below to University of Mindanao (UM) scientist Dr. Chosel Lawagon for bagging the prestigious Green Talents award for sustainability in Germany for her study on upcycling waste through nanotechnology!
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