From waste to resource: Training young researchers on developing innovative, circular solutions for wastewater treatment sludge - INCLUE

The INCLUE project is proud to announce that our researcher, Tiago Martins, has been selected as the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Fellow of the Month for August.

The MSCA Fellow of the Month is a monthly spotlight initiative by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, showcasing the achievements of outstanding fellows across Europe and beyond. The recognition highlights not only scientific excellence but also the impact of fellows’ work on society, sustainability, and international collaboration.

This recognition highlights Tiago’s outstanding contribution to sustainable innovation in wastewater treatment. His research at KU Leuven (Belgium) and Nijhuis Saur Industries (Netherlands) focuses on developing safe and efficient electrochemical processes to recover valuable metals from wastewater sludge, transforming an environmental challenge into a circular opportunity.

By applying an “urban mining” approach, Tiago’s work not only supports resource recovery but also reduces environmental risks, paving the way for cleaner processes and new applications of treated sludge, such as nutrient-rich fertilisers for agriculture.

Beyond the technical achievements, Tiago’s fellowship embodies the spirit of MSCA: international collaboration, interdisciplinary research, and personal growth. His secondment at WatchFrog (France) further expanded his expertise, allowing him to evaluate the impact of electrochemical treatment on sludge toxicity and ensure safer, more sustainable applications. And soon he will also visit the University of Aveiro in Portugal, his home country, to delve more into material science and engineering.

We warmly congratulate Tiago on this recognition. His dedication and vision are clear examples of how innovative science can turn waste into value and contribute to a more circular and resilient society. The INCLUE consortium is proud to count Tiago among its researchers and looks forward to supporting his continued journey towards advancing sustainability and resource recovery in Europe and beyond.