The Waste2Space project made significant progress towards its scientific objectives and contributed to advancing knowledge in sustainable process metallurgy, recycling and refining of secondary raw materials, and the recovery of critical and strategic metals from waste streams. Through a combination of experimental investigations, advanced characterisation techniques and process modelling, the project generated new scientific knowledge relevant to resource-efficient and circular metal production.
The research activities strengthened the understanding of metal recovery and refining processes from secondary resources and contributed to the development of sustainable approaches for the utilisation of waste and end-of-life materials. During the fellowship, the researcher published one peer-reviewed scientific publication, while three additional manuscripts are currently under preparation based on the results generated within the project. The researcher also contributed to three international conference papers/presentations, delivered one invited conference presentation and one invited webinar, ensuring effective dissemination of project-related knowledge to both scientific and professional audiences.
Beyond scientific publications and presentations, the researcher actively contributed to knowledge dissemination and scientific leadership through editorial activities. During the fellowship, she served as Guest Editor for four special issues and as Editor of an international scientific journal, strengthening the visibility and dissemination of research related to sustainable metallurgy, recycling and critical raw materials.
The project also contributed to strengthening interactions between academia and industry. Networking and knowledge-exchange activities with industrial stakeholders provided valuable insights into industrial needs and potential applications of the research outcomes. These interactions increased the potential for future exploitation of the generated knowledge and supported the transfer of knowledge between academia and industry.
From a societal and economic perspective, the project contributes to the transition towards a more resource-efficient and circular economy by promoting the recovery and valorisation of secondary raw materials. The development of sustainable recycling and refining routes can support the reduction of environmental impacts associated with primary raw material extraction and contribute to a more secure and resilient supply of critical raw materials for Europe.
The expected impacts remained broadly consistent with those described in the Description of Action. During implementation, certain research activities evolved in response to new scientific findings and emerging opportunities. These adjustments represented a natural progression of exploratory research and allowed the project to focus on the most scientifically relevant topics while remaining fully aligned with the overall objectives of Waste2Space. Although the fellowship concluded earlier than originally planned due to the researcher's appointment to a professorship position, the main scientific objectives had already been achieved and the majority of the planned research activities had been successfully completed.
