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Dates: Tuesday, 17 November - Wednesday, 18 November 2026 Location: TIC Building, University of Strathclyde, George Street, Glasgow Please visit our CONFERENCE page for the latest information on Opportunities to showcase your technology Call for papers key dates VISIT https://www.react.ac.uk/conference

2nd International REACT Conference

Dates: Tuesday, 17 November - Wednesday, 18 November 2026 Location: TIC Building, University of Strathclyde, George Street, Glasgow Please visit our CONFERENCE page for the latest information on Opportunities to showcase your technology Call for papers key dates VISIT https://www.react.ac.uk/conference

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Written by Dr Carlos Carbajal Pina Electronics sit at the heart of our digital and green transition, powering everything from renewable energy systems and communication networks to electric vehicles and healthcare technologies. Yet, as the new REACT white paper highlights, the same industry driving global progress also faces an escalating sustainability paradox. In 2022, the world generated over 62 million tonnes of electronic waste, while demand for critical materials such as lithium and cobalt is expected to quadruple by 2040. The way we design, produce, and recover electronics will determine whether this sector accelerates or undermines the journey to net zero. Circularity is not enough The white paper draws on findings from expert panels, company interviews, and roundtable discussions with industry, academia, and policymakers. It shows that while circular economy strategies such as recycling, repair, and reuse are essential, they are not sufficient on their own. Circularity often introduces new tensions. Making products easier to repair can conflict with intellectual property protection. Designing for modularity can reduce product durability. Automation can increase efficiency, but also risk jobs in repair and recycling. These innovation dilemmas reveal that sustainability in electronics is not only a technical challenge but also a question of governance and responsibility. Responsible innovation as the missing lens To navigate these tensions, the paper introduces the Adam Smith Responsible Innovation Framework (AS-RIF), developed at the University of Glasgow. It outlines six practical principles: anticipation, inclusivity, reflexivity, responsiveness, transparency, and equity. Together, they help decision makers foresee long-term impacts, engage diverse stakeholders, and balance economic, environmental, and social outcomes. Applied to the electronics industry, this means designing policies that align commercial incentives with sustainability, developing business models that reward repair, reuse, and recovery, building trust and transparency through tools such as digital product passports, and ensuring that automation includes social safeguards and reskilling opportunities. What readers and the industry will learn The REACT white paper offers both reflection and direction. Readers will learn about the scale and urgency of the sustainability challenge facing electronics, and how responsible innovation reframes the circular economy from a set of technical fixes to a systemic governance approach. The paper includes practical examples of circular innovation in action, such as Apple’s robotic disassembly lines, the Royal Mint’s chemical recovery of gold from printed circuit boards, and WEEE Scotland’s refurbishment model, which saves £5.1 million annually for Costa Coffee. It concludes with five clear pathways for change: advancing circular design, investing in sustainable materials, building skills, enabling responsible markets, and fostering collaboration. For the industry, the message is clear. Responsible and circular design is not a cost burden; it is a source of long-term competitiveness, resilience, and trust. A call to collaborate The transition to responsible and circular electronics cannot be driven by technology or market forces alone. It requires new forms of collaboration and governance, bringing together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and citizens. As the white paper concludes: Building a circular future for electronics requires new forms of responsibility, collaboration, and governance. Download the white paper Building a circular future for electronics through responsible innovation By Prof Nuran Acur, Dr Carlos Carbajal, Dr Qijun Zhou, and Prof Bing Xu Professor Nuran Acur | LinkedIn Carlos Carbajal | LinkedIn Qijun Zhou | LinkedIn Bing Xu | LinkedIn

Building a circular future for electronics: why responsibility matters as much as technology

Written by Dr Carlos Carbajal Pina Electronics sit at the heart of our digital and green transition, powering everything from renewable energy systems and communication networks to electric vehicles and healthcare technologies. Yet, as the new REACT white paper highlights, the same industry driving global progress also faces an escalating sustainability paradox. In 2022, the world generated over 62 million tonnes of electronic waste, while demand for critical materials such as lithium and...

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This June (2025) marked the successful launch of the first U21 School for Sustainable Policy Leadership, hosted by Lund University in Sweden. Designed for postgraduate students from across the Universitas 21 network, the week-long programme brought together a diverse group of future changemakers to explore sustainability, leadership, and global collaboration in action. Alireza Parsa, a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering at James Watt School of Engineering and a researcher in REACT’s pillar 3, was nominated to represent the University of Glasgow and joined over 40 participants from 17 Universitas 21 member universities around the world - fostering a dynamic and interactive environment for learning, discussion, and teamwork. Participants heard from leading voices in the field through expert-led sessions, workshops, and group-based collaborative challenges focused on real-world sustainability issues. These workshops sparked rich discussions around leadership styles and understanding diverse perspectives to effectively communicate with those with opposing views, leading to more effective policymaking. They also visited UN City in Copenhagen, where they engaged with experts from the UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre. Following presentations on their work and how it aligns with global and national climate goals, as well as the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), they explored compelling case studies, such as net-zero transportation initiatives in India and solar-powered irrigation systems in Uganda. What made this summer school truly impactful was the interactive and collaborative atmosphere. The diversity of academic disciplines and global perspectives enriched every session, reinforcing how complex sustainability challenges require inclusive, cross-sector approaches and shared leadership. At REACT, by promoting connections and dialogue at a global level, and by supporting companies and academics involved in electronic, photonic and material technologies, we move closer to our vision of transitioning to a circular economy and reducing emissions - as a Green Economy Centre. Our colleague, Alireza Parsa

Reflections from U21 School for Sustainable Policy Leadership

This June (2025) marked the successful launch of the first U21 School for Sustainable Policy Leadership, hosted by Lund University in...

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Consider this: the retail sector alone consumes over 10 billion RFID tags each year. Composed of paper, plastic, silicon, and metal, these tags are difficult to recycle and often end up in landfills. Researchers at the University of Glasgow, including Dr Mahmoud Wagih of REACT, have developed a sustainable alternative using inexpensive coils and a sensing material made of silicon rubber (PDMS) and carbon fibres. These compact coils, smaller than those in credit cards, absorb electromagnetic signals from a handheld reader. Further development at the Centre aims to bring this technology closer to market-ready solutions. This research was supported by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Royal Society. The findings, published in Advanced Science, have gained significant media attention as a promising low-waste alternative to RFID tags. Read the article in full here.

Sustainable Chipless RFID-Tags

Consider this: the retail sector alone consumes over 10 billion RFID tags each year. Composed of paper, plastic, silicon, and metal,...

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Date: 17-20 February 2025 / Time: Daily / Location: Cripps Court Conference Centre, Magdalene College, Cambridge UK / SPEAKING AND EXHIBITING We’ll be exhibiting at InnoLAE on 17-20 February 2025. InnoLAE is the conference for Innovations in Large-Area Electronics (LAE). LAE is a new way of making electronics, including printed, flexible, hybrid, plastic, organic and bio-electronic. REACT is proud to be a Silver Sponsor of the conference, and will present on Thursday, 20th February 2025, at 9:00 AM. We hope to see you there. Registration details at https://innolae.org/registration

InnoLAE 2025

Date: 17-20 February 2025 / Time: Daily / Location: Cripps Court Conference Centre, Magdalene College, Cambridge UK / SPEAKING AND...

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Date: 24 February 2025 / Time: 15.00 – 16.00 BST (16.00 – 17.00 CET) / Location: Online MS Teams / SPEAKING This online seminar is organised by our colleagues from the Green ICT Programme in Germany. Dr. Mahmoud Wagih (University of Glasgow, Deputy PI of the REACT Centre) will explore sustainable manufacturing of high-performance electronics, with a focus on PCB-level solutions. He will highlight responsible fabrication methods that enable low-impact production, recycling, and minimal waste at end-of-life. The presentation will also include RF systems designed with environmental considerations, such as battery-less and chip-less sensors using custom sensing materials. Additionally, preliminary life cycle assessments (LCAs) of wireless devices will be presented to guide future sustainable design practices. Registration details at https://www.izm.fraunhofer.de/en/news_events/trainings-and-workshops/responsible-electronics-from-manufacturing-to-rf-enabled-applications.html

Green ICT Online seminar

Date: 24 February 2025 / Time: 15.00 – 16.00 BST (16.00 – 17.00 CET) / Location: Online MS Teams / SPEAKING This online seminar is...

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Date: 5 March 2025 / Time: 14.00-17.00 / Location: Sir Alwyn Williams Building, University of Glasgow / REACT EVENT How can we help consumers embrace a sustainable electronics future? Join the ‘Sustainability Salon’ to discuss this topic. REACT aims to help the producers and designers of electronics accelerate their move to sustainable technology, re-usable materials, repairability, and long-term multi-generational thinking. We will also look at how these new technologies are available to consumers and how to demonstrate their benefits and value. Along with The University of Glasgow, we are hosting a ‘Sustainability Salon’, inviting industry, policy makers, consumer groups, academia, and sellers to share their perspectives and suggest ways we can help consumers, both industrial and personal, get their hands on better products for the planet. While the sessions are facilitated, the subjects and the direction of conversation will be driven by the event delegates. The aim of the session is to connect, network, discuss challenges and maybe even identify solutions or collaborations that might be financially supported by the University of Glasgow’s Impact Accelerator Account (IAA). Further information If you are interested in attending this event, please contact David Hughes at the University of Glasgow with a short email covering why you’d like to attend. Email david.hughes.4@glasgow.ac.uk

Sustainability Salon

Date: 5 March 2025 / Time: 14.00-17.00 / Location: Sir Alwyn Williams Building, University of Glasgow / REACT EVENT How can we help...

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Date: 24 April 2025 / Time: 12.30 - 13.30 Registration, Lunch & Networking. 13.30-16.30 Workshop / Location: ARC Building, University of Glasgow, 11 Chapel Lane, G11 6EW / REACT EVENT Be Part of the Future of Sustainable Electronics How can we transform the electronics industry and drive sustainability? What non-technical barriers are slowing down the adoption of responsible practices in electronics? Join us for this engaging, solutions-focused workshop, where industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders will explore how Responsible Innovation in Sustainable Electronics can deliver tangible environmental, economic, and societal impact. Speakers: Sarah Downes – Circular Economy Consultant Trevor Hinchcliffe – Innovations Technical Manager at Impact Solutions Robert Nicol – Technology Development Manager at STMicroelectronics Justine Scullion – Business Strategy Manager at WEEE Scotland Register here Why Attend? Discover how responsible electronics practices can enhance brand value and drive innovation Gain expert insights on applying strategies to create long-term business and societal value Engage in thought-provoking discussions on sustainable technological advancements in the semiconductor industry Identify new opportunities to integrate sustainability into your organisation’s strategy Connect and network with stakeholders shaping the future of electronics At the REACT Centre, we strive to support the semiconductor industry in its transition toward sustainable practices. By setting the standard for sustainable electronics manufacturing and design, we create shared value across sectors and communities. Join the Conversation – Drive the Change Register here EVENING RECEPTION Please also join us for our evening showcase. Find out more

Responsible innovation workshop

Date: 24 April 2025 / Time: 12.30 - 13.30 Registration, Lunch & Networking. 13.30-16.30 Workshop / Location: ARC Building, University of...

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Date: 24 April 2025 / Time: 16.30 - 18.30 / Location: ARC Building, University of Glasgow, 11 Chapel Lane G11 6EW / REACT EVENT The REACT Centre Showcase Reception - an evening of innovation, collaboration, and networking. Join us to explore responsible electronics projects, connect with industry and academia partners, and celebrate establishing of the REACT Centre. Dive into fascinating technical topics including: Wireless sensors systems that enhance sustainability Responsible high-frequency electronics Energy-efficient and low-impact applications in electronics Recyclable and biodegradable electronic materials Low-waste, low-toxicity printed circuit solutions Next-gen electronics packaging Solar panel recycling innovations Recyclable liquid metal components Recovery and recycling of valuable and critical metals Sustainable infrastructure for packaging and electronics assembly And much more — all focused on reducing electronic waste and promoting green technologies. Featuring Presentations and Demonstrations from: Heriot-Watt University – Research group led by Bing Xu Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow – Research group led by Nuran Acur James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow – Research teams led by Jeff Kettle, Hadi Heidari, Mahmoud Wagih and Paul Prentice School of Chemistry, University of Edinburgh – Research group led by Jason Love Engineering Team from the Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult Connect with researchers, innovators, and collaborators while enjoying live demos, engaging discussions, and refreshments in great company. Register here

Showcase reception

Date: 24 April 2025 / Time: 16.30 - 18.30 / Location: ARC Building, University of Glasgow, 11 Chapel Lane G11 6EW / REACT EVENT The REACT...

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Date: 18 September 2025, 10 am to 4.30 pm. Location: Royal Society, London In collaboration with TechWorks Help shape the future of sustainable electronics Join the team from REACT along with leading voices from industry, academia, and government. Be part of a national conversation to accelerate industry-academia collaboration, influence funding priorities, and ensure new regulations support innovation and growth. Agenda and Speakers: Keynote: "Designing for Impact: Sustainable Manufacturing and Circular Strategies in Electronics" Professor Jean-Pierre Raskin Jean-Pierre Raskin received the M.S. and PhD degrees in applied sciences from Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. He is a Full Professor at the Microwave Laboratory of UCLouvain. His research interests are the modeling, wideband characterization and fabrication of advanced SOI MOSFETs as well as micro and nanofabrication of MEMS / NEMS sensors and actuators, including the extraction of intrinsic material properties at nanometer scale. He is involved in the development of a more sustainable electronics. He has been managing a Chair of Excellence in eco-innovation at CEA-Leti since January 2024. He has been IEEE Fellow since 2014. He received the Médaille BLONDEL 2015, the SOI Consortium Award 2016, the European SEMI Award 2017, the Médaille AMPERE 2019, the Georges Vanderlinden Prize 2021 and the IET Achievement Medal in Electronics 2022. He is author or co-author of more than 400 journal articles, and has been elected member of the Royal Academy of Belgium in 2023. Industry Initiatives: Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) ST Microelectronics Paragraf Minviro Academic R&D Landscape: eFutures EPSRC Network: "UK R&D Mapping Report" REACT UKRI Green Economy Centre: "Sustainable and Circular Semiconductors" REWIRE IKC: "Next-Generation Power semiconductors" CHIMES IKC: "Heterogenous Integration and Sustainability" R&D Semiconductor Fabs: CORNERSTONE (University of Southampton): "Photonics Manufacturing" JWNC (University of Glasgow): "Critical Technologies and Semiconductors" University of Sheffield: UKRI Compound Semiconductor Manufacturing Hub Roundtable Discussion: A facilitated roundtable discussion for capturing the attendees views on challenges and opportunities in responsible semiconductors. Exhibition and Showcase: Selected advances from the consortium will be on showcase during the ample networking and lunch breaks during the day. Why attend? This is your opportunity to have a seat at the table as the UK builds a competitive, sustainable electronics sector: Engage in ‘peer-to-peer’ conversations and gain insights from the industry case studies Connect with the UK’s top researchers Shape and co-create sustainable technology solutions and influence UKRI research priorities Meet with key stakeholders shaping the national agenda What we'll discuss The Meeting will be centred on the following areas of sustainable electronics: Semiconductor materials and design – new design strategies for sustainability, and designing for repair and recycling Lifecycle assessment - sustainability reporting and the use of the new Digital Product Passports Electronics in applications – addressing sustainability challenges in real-world electronic applications If you'd like to attend, please register your interest and we get in touch with you (registration is free): Event Organisers: Jillian Hughes (TechWorks) Paul Jarvie (CSA Catapult; REACT) Jeff Kettle (University of Glasgow; REACT) Natalia Lukaszewicz (University of Glasgow; REACT) Mahmoud Wagih (University of Glasgow; REACT) The Royal Society, London

Semiconductor Industry Workshop - Royal Society (REACT x TechWorks)

Date: 18 September 2025, 10 am to 4.30 pm. Location: Royal Society, London In collaboration with TechWorks Help shape the future of...

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Date: 11 & 12 November 2025 / Location: TIC Building, University of Strathclyde, George Street, Glasgow / REACT EVENT Please visit our CONFERENCE page for the latest information on Opportunities to showcase your technology Call for papers key dates VISIT https://www.react.ac.uk/conference

1st REACT Research Conference

Date: 11 & 12 November 2025 / Location: TIC Building, University of Strathclyde, George Street, Glasgow / REACT EVENT Please visit our CONFERENCE page for the latest information on Opportunities to showcase your technology Call for papers key dates VISIT https://www.react.ac.uk/conference

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Date: 24 March 2026 Time: 10:00-16:00 Location: The Royal Society of Edinburgh, EH2 2PQ Registration: EVENTBRITE (last remaining places) How to secure UK’s Sovereignty through harvesting of secondary raw materials and components for the manufacturing of new products. Turning urban resources into sustainable products: ICT, photonics, batteries, TV, appliances KEYNOTE - Prof Paul Monks Chair of the British Geological Survey, Chair of the Henry Royce Institute, Former CSA (BEIS/DESNZ) and Professor at the University of Leicester Urban mining is becoming a key enabler of sustainable, resilient supply chains: transforming waste streams into valuable resources. This Urban Mining Industry Workshop will bring together stakeholders from across industry, policy, and innovation to explore how emerging technologies, regulatory frameworks, and material applications are shaping the sustainable and national manufacturing capacities in the UK. The workshop is designed as a collaborative forum to share insights, discuss challenges, and identify opportunities for scaling the use of recovered materials in new products. Who Should Attend This workshop is relevant for professionals and organisations involved in or impacted by urban mining and circular materials, including: Recycling companies and materials producers Technology providers and startups Manufacturers using or exploring recovered materials Policymakers and regulatory bodies Researchers, consultants, and sustainability leaders AGENDA 9:30 Arrival and registration 10:00 Introduction from Jeff Kettle (REACT Principal Investigator) and Matthew Reeves (Innovate UK) 10:15 Keynote Speaker - Prof Paul MonksChair of the British Geological Survey, Chair of the Henry Royce Institute, Former CSA (BEIS/DESNZ) and Professor at the University of Leicester 11:00 Break with refreshments 11:30 Flash Presentations 'Emerging technologies for Urban Mining': Abeshaa Mahendran (HyProMag) Adam Taylor (CellMine) Andrew Carrick (Bioscope) Bing Xu (REACT, Heriot-Watt University) 12:40 Lunch 13:40 Panel Discussion 'Policy, Finance and Regulations – from e-waste to new products': Andrew Gomarsall (n2s) Eva Marquis (University of Exeter) Fred White (DEScycle)James Horne (WEEE Forum) Scott Butler (Material Focus) Moderation: Charlie Simms (REACT, University of Edinburgh) 14:30 White Paper Workshop 'Rethink for better design and better regulations' 15.20 Way Forward - Closing remarks 15:30 Networking opportunity (with refreshments)

Urban Mining Industry Workshop

Date: 24 March 2026 Time: 10:00-16:00 Location: The Royal Society of Edinburgh, EH2 2PQ Registration: EVENTBRITE (last remaining places) How to secure UK’s Sovereignty through harvesting of secondary raw materials and components for the manufacturing of new products. Turning urban resources into sustainable products: ICT, photonics, batteries, TV, appliances KEYNOTE - Prof Paul Monks Chair of the British Geological Survey, Chair of the Henry Royce Institute, Former CSA (BEIS/DESNZ) and...

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