Pitt’s circular economy program was honored with a National Innovations in Education Award

The National Sustainability Society has recognized Pitt’s Circular Economy Program with the Innovations in Sustainability Education Team Award, honoring co-developers and program leaders Melissa Bilec, Gena Kovalcik and Götz Veser in partnership with Covestro.

“We’re grateful to be recognized by the National Sustainability Society for our Circular Economy Program and inspired every day by Pitt’s talented students,” said Melissa Bilec, co-director for the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation and George M. and Eva M. Bevier Endowed Chair of the Swanson School of Engineering’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. “Designed for scalability and long-term impact, the program is a national model for universities looking to integrate circularity competencies, industry partnerships, and hands-on learning to prepare graduates for a circular economy.”

Launched in 2022 by the Mascaro Center, the Circular Economy Program tackles a key global challenge: Over 90% of the 100 billion tons of materials entering the economy each year become waste after one use. The program equips students to rethink how products are made and used so that materials stay in circulation rather than becoming waste.

The program offers two pathways: the Circular Economy Graduate Certificate, open to graduate students and professionals across disciplines, and the Covestro Circular Economy PhD Fellowship, which supports research into technologies, policies and markets that keep materials in use and out of landfills. Coursework spans engineering, business, law, environmental assessment, consumer behavior and supply-chain strategy, bridging traditional academic boundaries.

Students also complete a required capstone course and industry internship that puts classroom learning into practice. Current fellows are researching topics that reflect academic rigor and industry relevance, including molecular recycling of plastics, seaweed-based biodegradable materials and ethical supply chains.

Photography by Tom Altany