Two scientists from Muslim states, Malaysia and Tunisia, received prestigious awards on November 3 in the 2023 Green Chemistry for Life program, which is implemented by UNESCO in collaboration with the fertilizer producer PhosAgro and the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC).
The awards were presented during a ceremony held in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, on November 2-3, 2023, as part of the International Symposium titled ‘Science for Sustainable Development: Challenges for Central Asia.’ This symposium focused on education for sustainable development and the integration of Central Asian nations into the global Sustainable Development Agenda.
The grant competition revolves around scientists who present projects related to ‘green chemistry’ themes. The winners are granted approximately $30,000 each and are given one year to bring their projects to life, with the allocated funds dedicated to project implementation.
PhosAgro, the program’s sponsor, has invested approximately $2.5 million in it over the past decade, providing each grant recipient with around $30,000. They evaluate the winning project for a year and, if it can be integrated into their business, they proceed to implement it within the company.
In 2023, two researchers from Muslim countries stood out as winners: Mohamad Azuwa Mohamed from Malaysia and Afef Ladhari from Tunisia.
Mr. Mohamed’s research focused on phosphogypsum, a byproduct produced during the making of phosphoric acid and phosphate fertilizers. He developed innovative methods to transform phosphogypsum into valuable chemicals, offering potential environmental benefits. His research has broader applications, such as removing pharmaceutical residues, producing hydrogen, and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Further research is needed to optimize these materials for renewable energy and environmental uses.
In her work, Ms. Ladhari from Tunisia introduced an eco-friendly and efficient method for producing nanobi-herbicides, specialized substances that can combat weeds on a global scale.
“Our project will create new opportunities for organizations worldwide engaged in sustainable agricultural and industrial development. It aims to address hunger, boost farmers’ income, enhance public healthcare systems, and ensure food security. Additionally, it will play a role in improving land resource management and preserving ecosystems,” Ms. Ladhari stated in the accompanying note.
Other recipients of awards included Antonio Otavio de Toledo Patrocino from Brazil, Anita Salic from Croatia, Federico Bella from Italy, Hasmik Khachatryan from Armenia, and Viet Huong Nguyen from Vietnam.
Their projects aimed at various goals, spanning from developing an environmentally friendly and cost-effective method for producing platinum and nickel catalysts to creating photoelectrochemical devices capable of converting biomass residues into valuable products.
The awarding of monetary grants to scientists under UNESCO’s auspices has been a practice since 2014, drawing participants from diverse backgrounds, including universities, research institutes, industrial companies, public authorities, and development institutions. The program’s global impact is evident, with 48 young scientists from 32 countries across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America having already received grants.
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