

CECE 2025
Sep 22 - 24, 2025 : Melbourne Connect, Melbourne, Australia
Hosted by University of Melbourne
Organised by University of Technology Sydney, University of Melbourne and Victoria University

CECE stands as an annual international conference, spanning diverse disciplines from fundamental to applied research encompassing policies, technologies, and community education concerning the circular economy, climate change, and the environment. The conference's thematic scope extends across circular economy applications in water, energy, environment, waste, resource recovery, and climate change, among other pertinent areas. This conference aims to serve as a dynamic platform, bringing together researchers from academia, industries, government, and NGOs on a global scale. It facilitates the exchange of research findings, covering both foundational principles and practical applications. Notably, CECE aims to foster networks among researchers, nurturing international collaborations that drive innovation and progress in circular economy, climate change, and environmental research. Distinguished plenary and keynote speakers, representing academia, industry, and government, will grace the conference, providing valuable insights and perspectives. Conference also presents a unique opportunity for both industries, academics, or individuals to vie for recognition in various CECE Award categories. For those eager to participate, key conference dates are outlined below. Join us as we explore the frontiers of knowledge and collaboration in the pursuit of sustainable solutions for a circular economy, climate resilience, and environmental well-being.
Conference Chairs

A/Prof Stefano Freguia
University of Melbourne

Prof Sandra Kentish
University of Melbourne
Conference Themes
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Plastic recycling
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Circular water
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Circular construction
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Circular nutrients
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Supply chain and governance
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Battery recycling
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Unintended consequences
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Circular - Other
Conference Key dates
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Abstract submission open: 03 March 2025
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Abstract submission deadline: Closed
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Abstract notification: 15 August 2025
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Speaker registration deadline: 30 August 2025 extended to 6 September 2025
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Early bird registration deadline: 30 August 2025 extended to 6 September 2025
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Welcome reception: Sep 22, 2025
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Conference: Sep 22 - 24, 2025
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Technical tour: Sep 25, 2025
Important links
Technical tours
Tour 1: Cleanaway – Circular Plastics Australia site
Located in Laverton, Victoria, this state-of-the-art facility processes more than 20,000 tonnes of HDPE and PP (or the equivalent of over half a billion plastic milk bottles and food tubs) into recycled resins used for food, beverage, and industrial packaging.

Schedule:
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Depart from University of Melbourne: 8.15am sharp
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Tour Starts: 9am
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Tour Ends: 11am
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Return to University of Melbourne by 12 noon
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Please wear long trousers and sleeves. If possible, wear steel capped safety shoes, otherwise these will be provided on site.
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Minimum Participants: 5, Maximum Participants: 30
Tour 2: Aquarevo demonstration house – South East Water
Aquarevo is South East Water’s flagship circular water development, designed to reduce potable water use by up to 70% through a closed-loop system. Each home is supplied with drinking water, harvested rainwater, and Class A recycled water treated on site at a pioneering estate-scale water recycling plant. Smart systems such as TankTalk® (which pre-releases rainwater before storms), OneBox® (a digital water and energy hub), and rain-to-hot water treatment integrate water use, energy efficiency, and stormwater management. Together, these features cut stormwater runoff and nutrient loads, improve urban greening, and showcase a replicable model for sustainable, water-sensitive communities.

Schedule:
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Depart from University of Melbourne: 8.15am sharp
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Tour Starts: 10am
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Tour Ends: 11am
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Return to University of Melbourne by 12:30 pm
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Please wear long trousers and sleeves. no PPE is required to attend Aquarevo house
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Minimum Participants: 5, Maximum Participants: 20
Conference Committees
Organising Committee
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Prof Ho Kyong Shon - UTS
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A/Prof Stefano Freguia - UoM
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Prof Sandra Kentish - UoM
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Prof Mikel Duke - VU
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A/Prof Sherub Phuntsho - UTS
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Dr Ibrahim El Saliby - ARC NiCE Hub, UTS
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Dr Veera Koskue - UoM
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Dr Helena Wang - UoM
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Dr Franz Wohlgezogen - UoM
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A/Prof Malindu Sandanayake - VU
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A/Prof Ehsan Yaghoubi - VU
Scientific Advisory Committee
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A/Prof Min Zheng - UNSW
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Prof Qilin Wang - UTS
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Ms Leonie Williams - Melbourne Water
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A/Prof Adrian Oehmen - UQ
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Dr Yanyan Zhao - CSIRO
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A/Prof Jianfeng Mao - UoA
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Dr. Parama Chakraborty Banerjee - Monash Uni
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A/Prof Hamid Arandiyan - RMIT
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Dr Shuaifei Zhao - Deakin Uni
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Prof Prakash Singh - UoM
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Dr Medo Pournader - UoM
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Dr. Sara Long - RMIT
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A/Prof Brad Clarke - UoM
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Dr Yanni Bouras - VU
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Dr Le Li - VU
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Dr Robert Haigh - VU
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Dr Massoud Sofi - UoM
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A/Prof Nolene Byrne - Deakin Uni
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Dr Alex Duan - UoM
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A/Prof Pooria Pasbakhsh - UoM
Our Sponsors
Platinum
Nutrients in a Circular Economy Research Hub
Gold
ARC Research Hub for Smart Fertilisers
Silver

Metallium Ltd
Bronze

Incitec Pivot Fertilisers