Dr Kyungeun Sung is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Art, Design and Architecture at De Montfort University in Leicester, UK. Her research is broadly concerned with design and sustainability, focusing on upcycling, circular economy and net zero. She has research interests and expertise in sustainable design, craft, production, business, supply chains, behaviour, consumption and lifestyles. Her research uses design as a tool for new product development, service innovation, behavioural change, scaling up niche sustainable practices/behaviours, and transitioning to circular economy and net zero. She has published over thirty peer-reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings and book chapters in her field with high-impact journals and high-quality publishers. She has edited State-of-the-Art Upcycling Research and Practice with Springer. She is currently the Principal Investigator of the AHRC-funded International Upcycling Research Network (AH/W007134/1).
Yi Zhong is a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Arts, Design & Humanities at De Montfort University in Leicester, UK. Her research interests are in intercultural communication, service design, sustainable design, cultural design, behavioural change, health and wellbeing. Her current PhD research topic is focused on improving the international student services in UK higher education institutes in order to improve international students’ intercultural adaptation experience. She has experience in working as Research Associate in Circular Economy at De Montfort University and currently works as Research Associate for the ‘Upcycling for everyone’ project.
Dr Sadiyo Siad, a visionary leader, spearheads various initiatives in both the UK and Africa, utilising powerful tools for innovative service solutions. She is dedicated to expanding specialized sustainable practices/behaviours and steering towards a circular economy. As the founder of the Eva Organization for Women (EOW-Charity) and chancellor of Hano Technical University and Hano Academy, she shapes future leaders through diverse programmes that emphasize innovation and entrepreneurship. These institutions offer multidisciplinary education, encompassing technical, STEAM, and leadership training. Dr Siad is also the driving force behind the Somali STEM Society, uniting STEM enthusiasts across regions to foster knowledge exchange and innovation. Her entrepreneurial impact extends to Hano Connect, a hub for innovation, collaboration, and economic growth. In addition to her leadership roles, Dr Siad is an author and provides coaching and mentorship programmes for professionals in EdTech.
Heather Hodkinson is the Community Engagement Officer for Green Meadows, a 5-year climate action project funded by the National Lottery. The project is based in The Meadows area of Nottingham (UK) and is building a community that can tackle climate change together, through practical learning, training, and advice. Heather’s role involves being responsive to residents’ ideas for change and bringing them to fruition through community action and empowerment. She has also organised numerous environmental workshops and events across Nottingham, including Nottingham Green Festival and Green Hustle Festival.
