Gemma Morell, awarded an INPhINIT grant by the “la Caixa” Foundation
Sostenipra researcher Gemma Morell is one of the 105 scientist who will develop their projects in Spain and Portugal thanks to the 65 fellowships awarded in the framework of the doctoral INPhINIT programme and the 40 of the postdoctoral Junior Leader programme.
The ”la Caixa” Foundation has awarded 105 new doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships to excellent researchers to carry out their projects at universities and research centres in Spain and Portugal. With the INPhINIT doctoral and Junior Leader postdoctoral fellowships, the ”la Caixa” Foundation pursues the dual objective of retaining and attracting talent to promote research excellence in these countries.
These fellowships offer competitive salaries and multidisciplinary training. In the case of doctoral fellowships, the programme reinforces such aspects as scientific communication, emotional well-being of the researcher, leadership and funding opportunities. Postdoctoral fellowships promote independent scientific careers as a future professional option and foster innovation and leadership.
Gemma Morell has obtained an INPHINIT grant to study the management of textile waste and its reuse process from both a social and environmental point of view. She is investigating the potential of second-hand clothes to replace the purchase of first-hand clothes, as well as the practices of citizens when disposing of textile waste and the management of the management entities once people have disposed of their clothes.
Their research concludes that 90% of the municipal textile waste generated in Catalonia ends up in landfills or incinerators, according to a study by ICTA-UAB, which shows that only 10% of textile waste is collected separately. Of the 10% that is collected separately through specialized containers located in the street, clean points, or door-to-door collection, 80% is recycled or reused mainly through sale in second-hand shops, flea markets or to other industries. Half is sold in Catalonia and Spain, while the remaining half is exported to countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Source: ICTA-UAB