I had the privilege to present my first research poster at the Carbon Recycling Network 5th Annual Conference, from March 9–12, 2025, at the historic Shrigley Hall in Cheshire, UK. This milestone was not only a personal achievement but also an opportunity to represent the INCLUE EU project; a Horizon-MSCA-DN initiative focused on developing innovative, circular solutions for wastewater treatment sludge.
I would see myself as a newcomer to the academic conference scene, in which I was both very excited and apprehensive. It was surprising and amazing to see how the conference brought together at the conference there were leading minds from academia, industry, and policy to discuss advancements in carbon recycling technologies. As for my own attendance, I was honored to present a poster on my research project on microwave-assisted hydrothermal carbonization (MW-HTC) of sludge, which aims to transform waste into valuable resources through sustainable methods.
I was able to learn about other science groups’ innovations and get to meet successful and inspiring promoters of sustainable research. The poster session itself proved to be an invaluable experience. Interacting and engaging with fellow researchers showed and made me receive insightful feedback that not only validated my work but also opened avenues for future collaboration. Different discussions ranged from the technical aspects of MW-HTC to its practical applications in wastewater treatment facilities. Moreover, it was rewarding to connect with individuals interested in the INCLUE project’s interdisciplinary approach, which combines chemical engineering, environmental biotechnology, and socio-economic assessments.
Within these connections I was proud to present the INCLUE project to the point that emphasizes its commitment to training a new generation of researchers in sustainable sludge treatment. Sharing the vision of European Green Deal`s objectives to convert waste into renewable chemicals and fertilizers, showed me how many attendees of the conference resonated with these visions. Therefore, sparking meaningful conversations did take place within the same goal for the future, to turn waste into resources.
I would like to summarize the main aspect of this conference being a transformative experience for me. It did not only bolster my confidence as a researcher but also reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing environmental challenges. The connections made and knowledge gained have inspired me to continue contributing to the field of sustainable waste management and moreover motivated me to achieve more results and research within my PhD. I am grateful to be a part of such an amazing and meaningful project and look forward to presenting my upcoming results at other conferences as well and wish all my projects member good luck and success for their upcoming conferences.