CUPOLA project

Researchers from University College Cork (UCC) have undertaken research secondments at Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), China as part of the MSCA Staff Exchange project CUPOLA – Carbon-Neutral Pathways for Recycling Marine Plastic Waste. The secondments are designed to accelerate knowledge exchange across partner institutions, strengthen international collaboration, and advance practical solutions for reducing marine plastic pollution through low-carbon recycling pathways.

During their time at HUST, the UCC researchers were based in the School of Energy and Power Engineering, working under the guidance of Professor Yang and their research group. The placement focused on catalyst development and evaluation for catalytic pyrolysis, a promising route for converting plastic waste into valuable chemical products and fuels.

A key element of the work involved testing catalysts for catalytic pyrolysis, with the catalyst synthesised at UCC. At HUST, the team also carried out catalyst characterisation, leveraging facilities and expertise available within Professor Yang’s group.  In addition to the laboratory programme, the secondment included a seminar discussion, providing an opportunity to share progress, exchange technical insights and identify next steps for continued collaboration within CUPOLA.

These secondments highlight the core value of the MSCA Staff Exchange model enabling researchers to access complementary infrastructure and expertise, while building lasting partnerships that support the development of internationally connected research.