Circular Economy Research Forum 2025

On May 19 and 20, the first Circular Economy Research Forum took place at University of Liège.

Under the theme “Closing the loop for a resonating future – Setting impulses together that draw circles!”, 56 participants from different academic backgrounds got together at the Sart-Tilman campus, to exchange ideas on the broad topic of circular economy. The first day was shaped by inspiring keynote speeches, which offered valuable insights for the knowledge exchange. The flash poster presentations were also a particular highlight showing the diversity of the transformation towards a circular economy – from smart solutions for construction and recycling to innovative business models and a sustainable development in politics and society.

Openness and co-creation were the focus of the second day. The participants contributed their own topics and discussed various aspects of circular change in smaller group – including:

🔍Digitalization & information management
📦Economic structures & logistics
🛠️Product- & business model development
🧱Use of materials & aggregates
🤝Community building & consumer change

The discussions revealed: While the challenges of the circular economy are complex, cross-border dialogue and close cooperation between research, industry, and society are driving creative ideas and hands-on solutions for a more sustainable and resource-efficient future across the Greater Region and beyond. The event was held as part of the new UniGR event series “ECHO”, marking its official launch. It is part of the diverse activities of the UniGR-CIRKLA project, funded by Interreg Greater Region.