Narrabri Shire will welcome Professor Veena Sahajwalla AO next week as its Australia Day ambassador.
Veena is an internationally acclaimed materials scientist, engineer and inventor who is revolutionising recycling science.
As founding director of the UNSW Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT) Centre, she is recognised for pioneering high-temperature processes that convert waste into a new generation of sustainable “green materials.”
Veena invented polymer injection technology, known as Green Steel, an eco-friendly process using recycled tyres in steel production, and has launched the world’s first e-waste MICROfactorie, followed by technologies for plastics and green ceramics, now commercialised nationally.
Her work has earned widespread recognition including being named NSW Australian of the Year (2021), winning the Australian Museum Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science (2022), and being appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO, 2025) for distinguished service to science, innovation and community engagement.
Beyond her research, Veena is passionate about local impact and community engagement. She collaborates with councils and regional communities, including deploying MICROfactories to create local recycling solutions and economic opportunities.
She founded Science 50:50, a program encouraging young women to pursue STEM careers, and regularly mentors emerging innovators.
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