Post by Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering

🌱 Turning agricultural waste into opportunities for a more sustainable future. For this #ScholarSaturday, we're celebrating #ElevateSTEM Postgraduate Scholar Wenjing CHEN, who recently presented her research at the Australian Natural Fibres Forum 2026 in Sydney. 🎓 A PhD candidate at RMIT University, Wenjing is exploring how carbon dots derived from the waste of cotton production can create new value as an agricultural by-product, supporting the circular economy by enabling applications in solar energy and more sustainable cotton farming. Speaking at the forum, Wenjing shared how bringing together researchers and industry leaders is helping translate science into real-world impact and strengthen collaboration across Australia's natural fibre sector. 🎙️ Reflecting on her Elevate scholarship, Wenjing said: "Beyond providing financial security, the scholarship has given me the freedom to focus on my research, while ATSE’s workshops and ongoing insights into STEM developments have broadened my understanding of the industry and helped me shape a clearer vision for my future career." Congratulations, Wenjing, on sharing your research and helping drive innovation for a more sustainable future. 👏 🔗 Learn more about the Elevate: Boosting diversity in STEM program: https://lnkd.in/gRKmPUxX Cotton Australia Australian Wool Innovation