Beautiful Minds for a Sustainable Future - Conversations with Young Scientists for Sustainability
They are bright, they are young, and their research contributes to sustainability.
Join us in our conversations with outstanding young scientists who live in different countries and work in different disciplines but are united in their commitment to ensure a sustainable future. Will they be the ones to make a difference?
Conversations
Indumathi Jeyachandran, India: Creating social awareness is important
Published 2012-01-27
Indumathi Jeyachandran, 31, is a researcher working on urban systems sustainability in California, USA. Her work focuses on the impacts of landscape modification on heat fluxes, urban microclimate and energy usage in urban environments. Born in India, she received a PhD in Water Resources Engineering from the University of Utah, USA. Dr. Jeyachandran is a recipient of the 2010 Green Talents award given by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research to outstanding scientists in the field of sustainable development. Dr. Jeyachandran is a LEED Accredited Professional with a specialization in building design and construction. | Read more
Mercedes Valderrama-Vernaza, Colombia: A Holistic Approach Is Possible
Published 2012-01-10
Conversations: Beautiful Minds for a Sustainable Future
The 29-year-old Mercedes Valderrama-Vernaza is a 2010 winner of the International Green Talents Competition, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) and supported by the United Nations University, Bonn. The award is given to outstanding young scientists from around the world, selected for their achievements in the field of sustainability research. A graduate of Universidad Industrial de Santander in Bucaramanga in her native Colombia, Mercedes conducts research on ecosystems and sustainable land use. |Read more
Wang Chao, China: Foster creativity and innovation
Published 2011-12-20
The 30-year-old Wang Chaois a 2010 winner of theInternational Green Talents Competition funded by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF). A native of China’s Jiangsu province, Chao received a bachelor’s degree from Nanjing University of Science and Technology and a master’s degree from Beijing Institute of Machinery. Since 2005, he has been an assistant research fellow at Beijing Union University. Chao’s research focuses on the design of industrial processes to treat and recycle solid waste. He has already obtained nine patents for his work. |Read more
Jeanne Yvonne de Waal, South Africa: Encourage women´s involvement in science
Published 2011-11-10
The 28-year-old Jeanne Yvonne de Waal is a 2010 winner of the International Green Talents Competition, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) and supported by the United Nations University (UNU) Bonn. Jeanne is pursuing her PhD at the University of Stellenbosch, continuing her studies in Agriculture with a focus on the biological control of insect pests in commercial agriculture. Her research team´s work in this area has been pioneer research in South Africa. |Read more
Dewei Zhao, China: Willing to take up the challenge
Published 2011-10-27
The 30-year old engineer Dewei Zhao is a 2010 winner of the International Green Talents Competition , funded by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) and supported by the United Nations University, Bonn . A native of China’s Liaoning province, Zhao received a bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering from Liaoning University and a master’s from Beijing Jiaotong University . He is currently pursuing a PhD at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. Zhao’s research focuses on sustainable energy technology and specifically organic solar cells. | Read more
Binita Shah, India: Application of science and training can bring about a sea change
Published 2011-10-14 | Updated 2012-01-12
Conversations: Beautiful Minds for a Sustainable Future
The 28-year-old environmental scientist Binita Shah is a 2010 winner of the International Green Talents Competition, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) and supported by the United Nations University (UNU) Bonn. Shah holds a masters degree in Environmental Science from the Institute of Environment Education and Research at Bharati Vidyapeeth University in Pune, India. |Read more
Andrew March, USA: Development of new ideas should come with proper communication
Published 2011-09-29 | Updated 2011-09-30
Conversations: Beautiful Minds for a Sustainable Future
The 24-year-old Andrew March is a 2010 winner of the International Green Talents Competition, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) and supported by the United Nations University (UNU) Bonn. March holds an environmental engineering Bachelor degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder and a Master´s degree in Pollution Chemistry and Environmental Risks from the Université d´Orléans in France. Andrew is looking for innovative and effective ways to apply his knowledge to the challenging field of international development. |Read more
Adriana López, Colombia: Bridge theory and practice
Published 2011-09-15 | Updated 2011-09-23
Conversations: Beautiful Minds for a Sustainable Future
The 27-year-old architect and urbanist Adriana Patricia López Valencia is a 2010 winner of the International Green Talents Competition, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) and supported by the United Nations University (UNU) Bonn. Adriana López received a bachelor´s degree in Architecture from Colombia´s Universidad del Valle and a master´s degree in Urbanism from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia. In December 2011, Adriana will start a six-month research stay at UNU Bonn. |Read more
