TFI Network+ awards funding to 5 research projects to enable transformation in the Foundation Industries 

UKRI-ISCF Transforming Foundation Industries Network+ awards over £200,000 to 5 research projects aimed at exploring enablers of transformation and social sciences in the Foundation Industries 

The Transforming Foundation Industries (TFI) Network+ has awarded funding to 5 research projects in its fifth round of flexible funding. This round was themed on ‘Enablers of Transformation’ with an emphasis on multidisciplinary research including changes in governance, business models and/or organisational culture to achieve ambitious sustainability targets. 

“The Network has a strong awareness of how vital the social sciences are to the future of the Foundation Industries, and we hope the principals and ideas in this research can help boost sustainability within the sectors. We are pleased to announce the results of our latest funding call from TFI Network+, with 5 innovative research proposals gaining funding”

Professor Ian Reaney, TFI Network+ Director

Successful projects in the Enablers of Transformation themed funding call were:

• ‘Overcoming adoption barriers of next generation processing technologies in ceramics/glass industries’ – Taofeeq Ibn-Mohammed, Warwick University
• ‘Enabling business models innovation for sustainability in the UK glass sector’ – Luis Torres, Nottingham University
• ‘Circular business model innovation in the UK cement, glass and ceramic industries’ – Maria Karafyllia, Nottingham University
• ‘Co-designing a goal interdependency method for deciding corporate sustainability strategy’ – Rebecca Pleniazek, University of Leeds
• ‘Can workforce diversity stimulate transformation towards a more sustainable future?’ – Jennifer Tomlinson, University of Leeds

The Foundation Industries (consisting of cement, metals, ceramics, paper, glass and chemicals sectors) are some of the most energy-intensive industries in the UK and are worth over £52 billion to the UK economy. Each sector is facing challenges on the path to Net-Zero, including consumption of raw materials and recycling of waste products. 

These new projects will begin in April 2023 and results will be shared with the community at future workshops, conferences and events. 

UKRI-ISCF TFI Network+, launched in January 2021 with the aim of assisting the foundation industries (namely glass, paper, ceramics, cement, metals and bulk chemicals) to remain competitive whilst simultaneously facing challenges from environmental legislation and the drive towards net-zero carbon 2050. The core aim of TFI Network+ is to co-create with the Foundation Industries new science and technology that can transform their sustainability and performance by coordinating and channelling a wide range of expertise throughout UK academia in themes such as circular economy, energy efficiency and next generation processes. Those interested are invited to become members of the Network by completing the online membership form on TFI Network+. Members are kept up to date with activities including events and news from across the sector. Become a member at https://tfinetworkplus.org/join-tfi-network/