TU Dublin Research Leads the Way in Nature and Climate Innovation
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As the world marks World Nature Conservation Day, TU Dublin shines a spotlight on its pioneering researchers whose innovative projects are making a real difference in tackling climate change and preserving natural ecosystems. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement, TU Dublin’s researchers are transforming scientific knowledge into practical strategies that support nature conservation and climate resilience locally and globally.
World Nature Conservation Day, officially recognised during the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm, reminds us annually of the urgent need to protect the Earth's natural resources. Falling on the same date as the adoption of the World Heritage Convention, July 28th serves as a global call to action for safeguarding the planet’s biodiversity and ecosystems.
At the heart of TU Dublin’s contribution to this mission are two leading academics: Dr Furong Tian and Dr Azza Silotry Naik, whose research and educational efforts align directly with the university's commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dr Furong Tian: Restoring Peatlands and Empowering Communities
Dr Furong Tian, Lecturer in the School of Food Science and Environmental Health and Director of the Nanolab Research Centre, is at the forefront of peatland restoration through her involvement in the Farm:Carbon project. This initiative, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and the EU, works to restore degraded peatlands while engaging agricultural communities in citizen science.
Dr Tian leads both undergraduate and postgraduate students in developing sustainable innovations at 'lighthouse' farms model sites for ecofriendly practices and farmer collaboration. Her commitment to experiential learning has inspired students to earn accolades, including awards for Best Scientific Poster in the Health, Sports, and Nutrition category at the SURE Conference from 2022 to 2024.
She and her students have coauthored high impact publications in prestigious journals such as Frontiers in Environmental Science, Environmental Science: Advances, and Sustainability, showcasing research on peatland restoration, hospital effluent treatment, and wastewater management.
Her work exemplifies TU Dublin’s mission to integrate sustainability across education, research, and public engagement.
Dr Azza Silotry Naik: Championing Circular Economy and Sustainable Innovation
Also making significant strides is Dr Azza Silotry Naik; Lecturer and Researcher in TU Dublin, whose work in sustainable resource management explores the transformation of plant and marine by-products into functional, high value ingredients.
Dr Naik’s research targets UN SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production by exploring novel ways to repurpose brewing and distilling byproducts, seafood processing waste, and other industrial food streams. Her innovative approach was further recognised through a NEMOS Teaching Fellowship (2023) under the Erasmus+ programme, where she developed experiential learning modules to incorporate sustainability into student-led projects.
Her research is supported through various EU and national funding streams, including the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership, ARISE funding, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021–2027, and Enterprise Ireland's Commercialisation Feasibility Fund, focusing on beetroot byproduct valorisation. Beyond academia, Dr Naik serves as an Irish delegate to the EU Chem Society, promoting her research at European and international forums.
Through her applied science and policy advocacy, Dr Naik is building bridges between laboratories and real-world solutions, strengthening efforts to protect ecosystems, reduce waste, and foster a circular economy.
Advancing Sustainability Through Research and Innovation
At TU Dublin, research and innovation are central to tackling the environmental challenges facing our world today. The pioneering work of Dr Furong Tian and Dr Azza Silotry Naik demonstrates how scientific inquiry can drive meaningful progress; from restoring fragile ecosystems to creating sustainable solutions through circular resource use.
On World Nature Conservation Day, the university highlights the critical role that applied research plays in conserving natural resources and supporting sustainable development. Through interdisciplinary projects, collaborative partnerships, and student engagement, TU Dublin is actively contributing to the global shift toward more sustainable and resilient systems.
By integrating environmental priorities into research, education, and innovation, TU Dublin is helping shape practical, science-based solutions for a healthier planet, today and into the future.