EPSRC, part of UKRI, will be holding two workshops in March 2022 with the aim of exploring the role of engineering and physical sciences (EPS) research in achieving a transition to a circular economy. To maximise engagement with all stakeholders who are interested in attending, they will be running the same workshop twice, on different working days. The workshops will consist of:

• Keynote talks from community leaders and EPSRC.
• Facilitated discussion sessions around circularity and circular economy research across the engineering and physical sciences.
• Networking opportunities.

It is anticipated this event will be of interest to researchers working in areas directly supporting the transition to a circular economy as well as those who have an interest in considering circularity in their own research in other areas. A background in circular economy research is not a pre-requisite and applications are actively encouraged from those new to the area or only just beginning to consider how to embed circularity in their research.

Colleagues from industry and the third sector are also encouraged to apply in order to foster relationships between industrial needs and fundamental science research, as well as supporting EPSRC to ensure non-academic drivers are reflected in future priorities and scoping activities.

Although this is primarily an EPSRC event this is an inherently interdisciplinary area of research. Applications from those not traditionally in EPSRC remit but currently or hoping to collaborate with those who are to deliver a circular future and/or embed circularity in EPS research and innovation are also encouraged.

Please note there is no funding associated with this activity.

Objectives

The overarching objectives of the workshops are as follows:

Increase the awareness and understanding of the role of EPS research in delivering a transition to a circular economy.

• Increase the awareness and understanding of how to embed circularity in EPS research.
• Encourage interaction between a wide range of stakeholders and partners with expertise or interest in the circular economy.
• Identify research challenges and opportunities that could be developed as future priorities and develop understanding of the support needed to ensure research in the area delivers maximum impact.
• Increase the understanding of current opportunities (including funding) which can be provided by EPSRC/UKRI for circular economy research.

To apply, please submit an Expression of Interest following the instructions in the call document linked below. Expressions of Interest will open on Wednesday 5th January and will close at 16:00 on Tuesday 15th February.

All Expressions of Interest will be assessed by an EPSRC internal panel and in the event of oversubscription an appropriate number of participants will be selected to attend. Successful applicants will be notified by Tuesday 1st March.