2026 Chemistry for Climate Action Challenge – Finalist proposals announced
We believe that chemistry plays a critical role in developing a sustainable future. Chemists have a special responsibility to develop those new products, resources and processes to make that happen.
The Chemistry for Climate Action Challenge stands as one of the Elsevier Foundation’s flagship initiatives. In collaboration with Elsevier’s Chemistry journals, the Elsevier Foundation awards funding of $25,000 USD each to two winning projects annually. These projects are focused on implementing green and sustainable chemistry solutions in the Global South, thereby advancing both Climate Action (SDG13) and Gender Equity (SDG5).
We are thrilled to announce the top 5 contestants who have been selected for their groundbreaking proposals. These innovative projects will be showcased at the 10th Green and Sustainable Chemistry Conference, taking place from May 18-20, 2026. Each contestant will have the opportunity to pitch their proposals to the scientific jury of the Challenge.
Hassan Anwer | Assistant Professor, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
Next-Gen Fertilizers for Sustainable Agriculture in Drought-Hit Regions
Hassan Anwer
Assistant Professor, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
Pakistan
Dr. Hassan Anwer is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Engineering at the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Hanyang University, South Korea, where he specialized in the design and synthesis of advanced nanomaterials for applications in environmental remediation, sustainable agriculture, and energy systems.
At NUST, Dr. Anwer holds key academic and administrative roles, including Head of the Environmental Engineering Department, Director of the Quality Control & Enhancement Office, and Head of Lab Commercialization Services. He teaches undergraduate and postgraduate courses in environmental nanotechnology, air and noise pollution control, water resources management, and remote sensing and geographic information systems.
Dr. Anwer has worked on key projects of fundamental and applied nature. His core research interests include water and air purification technologies, slow- and controlled release fertilizers for sustainable agriculture, functional thin films and coatings, and the transformation of plastics in environmental matrices. He has contributed to multiple high impact journals and holds several international patents related to air pollution control technologies.
Dr. Anwer is the recipient of multiple academic awards, including the Best Ph.D. Dissertation Award and Best Researcher Award from Hanyang University, and a Highly Cited Paper Award. His efforts are committed to interdisciplinary research, academic leadership, and the translation of scientific innovation into practical environmental solutions.
Jamal Sonko
Founder & CEO, Kyuka Ventures, Uganda
Uganda
Sonko Jamal is a pioneering environmental entrepreneur and the Founder & CEO of Kyuka Ventures, a climate-tech enterprise advancing circular economy solutions in Uganda. With expertise spanning Sustainable development, clean energy, and AI-driven innovation, he leads the transformation of plastic waste into clean LPG through proprietary Soot-Free Reactive Extraction Technology (SFRET). His work addresses both energy poverty and environmental degradation, earning recognition from the UNDP, Audi, Commonwealth Scholarship commission, Unicef and Circular valley Foundation. Jamal is committed to scaling inclusive, data-driven solutions that catalyze sustainable development across underserved communities.
Thilini D K Mudiyanselage | Professor, Department of Polymer Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka
From Waste to Resource, Sawdust Reborn as a Solution to Deforestation
Thilini D K Mudiyanselage
Professor, Department of Polymer Science, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Dr. Thilini Mudiyanselage is a Professor in the Department of Polymer Science at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, and a polymer chemist by training and practice. She earned an Honors degree in Chemistry, which laid a strong foundation in molecular science and led her to pursue a PhD, where she was introduced to the world of polymers and their potential to address pressing sustainability and climate challenges. Her research focuses on bio-based polymers, waste-derived materials, and functional hydrogels for water treatment, agriculture, and nutrient-use efficiency.
Osarode Odemwingie | PhD student, University of Benin
The valorisation of lactobacillus plantarum and Saccharomyces Cervisiae treated Delonix Regia pods with palm kernel cake for the growth of oyster mushrooms
Osarode Odemwingie
PhD student, University of Benin
Benin
Milemo Lusambya | Let’s Be Transformed (MAGUFINA), Dzaleka Refugee Camp, Malawi
Circular Biomass Solutions: Women-Led Green Chemistry for Climate Resilience, Clean Energy, and Menstrual Health in Dzaleka Refugee Camp, Malawi
Milemo Lusambya
Let’s Be Transformed (MAGUFINA), Dzaleka Refugee Camp, Malawi
Malawi
Milemo Lusambya leads Let’s Be Transformed (MAGUFINA), established in 2017 serving Dzaleka Refugee Camp’s 56,000 residents. MAGUFINA implemented agriculture programs training 120 women, increasing food security by 30% and establishing four gardens producing 2,400kg vegetables annually. We achieved 85% program completion rates compared to 45% camp average through participatory design. MAGUFINA partners with UNHCR Malawi for policy support, Ministry of Natural Resources for compliance, and Malawi University of Science and Technology for technical validation.