Circular Economy Research Network Asia-Pacific (CERN APAC)

The challenge

The Circular Economy Research Network Asia-Pacific (CERN APAC) is an Australian led initiative established in 2022 through a collaboration between Monash University, RMIT University, Swinburn University of Technology, and CSIRO. The network aims to convene circular economy researchers across Australia

CERN APAC seeks to foster a vibrant and interdisciplinary research ecosystem capable of addressing the complex challenges associated with the transition to circular economy models. By bringing together expertise from over ten distinct disciplinary domains the network is designed to enhance collaboration, knowledge exchange, and impact.

Some of these key challenges include connecting Australia’s research community while strengthening engagement with regional partners to co-develop context-sensitive solutions. The initiative addresses the need for an integrated and systemic approach, enabling researchers to work collectively across thematic and geographic boundaries to accelerate circular economy implementation in both national and regional contexts.

Our response

CSIRO, as part of the CERN APAC Australian leadership team alongside RMIT University, Monash University, and Swinburne University of Technology, plays a strategic role in shaping and advancing the vision of CERN APAC. Our role is to provide science-led leadership in growing and operating the network, with a particular focus on strengthening its research impact and enabling exchange across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

CERN APAC is designed to serve as a collaborative platform that brings together researchers, policy makers, industry leaders, and community stakeholders to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

CERN APAC offers:

• A coordinated research agenda that identifies priority challenges and opportunities for circular economy innovation across the Asia-Pacific region.
• Interdisciplinary expertise that bridges technical, social, policy, and economic perspectives, supporting comprehensive and actionable research outcomes.
• Capacity building and education to develop the next generation of circular economy practitioners and researchers.
• A regional knowledge exchange platform that enhances collaboration between Australian and Asia-Pacific partners to tailor circular economy models to diverse local contexts.

Impact

CERN APAC currently has 12 research streams and over 240 members across Australia and some from the Asia-Pacific. The goal of CERN APAC is to connect researchers and forge collaborations and projects on cutting edge challenges for circularity with industry, through the following research streams:

• Construction and the built environment
• Education
• Energy
• Food and organics
• Governance, policy, and regulation
• Manufacturing
• Packaging and plastics
• Resources and secondary raw materials
• Supply chain and logistics
• Technology
• Textiles
• Water

2025 Conference

For 2025, CERN APAC is hosting a continual conference with a series of online seminars held monthly. The opening event was held in March and the recording can be viewed at CERN APAC Conference 2025 Opening Event. To view the remaining conference schedule and register for events visit Annual CERN Conference — Circular Economy Research Network Asia-Pacific.

For more information

Please visit the CERN APAC website: Circular Economy Research Network Asia-Pacific

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