CSI launches FIVE-C Network to drive circular innovation across five key sectors
The Centre for Sustainable Innovation (CSI) has launched the FIVE-C Network, a cross-sector initiative designed to accelerate the transition towards a regenerative, circular economy. The network brings together academics, industry experts, and policy influencers to collaborate across five interconnected sectors: digital, construction, fashion and textiles, renewable energy, and healthcare.
Led by Dr Silvia Tedesco, Associate Professor of Sustainability, and Professor Mandy Parkinson, Chair of Business Innovation, FIVE-C aims to catalyse systemic transformation, through connecting technology, materials, infrastructure, and social wellbeing through circular design and innovation.
Silvia said: “FIVE-C is about creating a web of circular solutions that cut across disciplines. It’s not just about individual sectors transforming in isolation, but about how they can collectively redefine the way we think about resources, innovation and sustainability.”
Building a community of changemakers
FIVE-C invites members from academia, industry and policy to join as founding members, to help shape the network’s direction and contribute to collaborative projects, co-creation workshops and knowledge exchange forums.
The network will also host regular policy dialogues, mentorship schemes and skills development opportunities, nurturing the next generation of circular economy leaders.
First symposium
As part of its launch activities, FIVE-C will host its first symposium later next year, as part of the International Conference on Materials, Systems and Sustainable Manufacturing (MSSM).
The one-day symposium will bring together researchers from both STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) and SHAPE (social sciences, humanities, and the arts for people and the economy) disciplines to explore how circular materials can accelerate sustainable transformation across industries.
Mandy added: “By bringing together science, engineering, design, and policy, FIVE-C will help us reimagine how materials move through society. It’s an exciting step forward for CSI and for the University’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.”
Join the network
Are you an academic passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world impact?
As a Founding Member, you will:
- Contribute to funding bids, collaborative projects, and events.
- Share your expertise and help shape the direction of FIVE-C.
- Champion our values across your networks and disciplines.
To find out more and join the network, visit: FIVE-C Network - Centre for Sustainable Innovation
For all press office enquiries please email communications@salford.ac.uk.
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