Presentation of SGGW research in Japan
In a conversation with Prof. Magdalena Darya Vaverkova, PhD, from the Department of Sustainable Construction and Geodesy of the Institute of Civil Engineering at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences, about cooperation with Okayama University, scientific research and participation in EXPO 2025 Osaka (Japan).
Professor, you are a panellist in the debate: ‘Challenges of food loss and waste reduction through DX and artificial intelligence’ at the Expo 2025 Osaka (Japan) conference. How does your research work contribute to the fight against food waste, and what will you present at the conference?
I am honored to have the opportunity to participate in a debate at Expo 2025 Osaka on the challenges of reducing food loss and waste, including through the use of DX systems and artificial intelligence (AI). My research work, in collaboration with Professor Yasuhiro Matsui of Okayama University, where I have completed two research and teaching fellowships, focuses on sustainable waste management, including organic waste, and ways to prevent prevention (following the principle of ‘The Best Waste is No Waste’). In cases where waste prevention is not possible and waste is generated, our research focuses on improving waste treatment methods to maximize recovery while minimizing the environmental impact of these processes.
The research we are involved in with the Polish-Japanese research group covers issues related to recycling, recovery and disposal of waste, including organic and food waste. We focus on the analysis and improvement of composting methods that contribute to the reduction of waste volume and mass. The end product of this process – compost – can be used to used for land stabilization as part of agricultural and engineering activities, such as the reclamation and revitalization of degraded land, landfills, and post-industrial and mining areas, as well as for the biological development of slopes and escarpments to protect against erosion processes. Compost also plays an important role in improving soil quality, supporting ecosystem regeneration and preventing further resource waste. Our research is based on the principles of the Circular Economy, which aims to reduce waste and recover and use valuable resources from organic waste. The application of these solutions in sustainable engineering supports processes related to environmental regeneration and revitalization.
At the Osaka conference, I will present the results of my collaboration with Professor Yasuhiro Matsui, in the context of sustainable waste management methods, such as the ‘Kiero’ composting system, which is part of Japan’s ‘Zero Waste’ initiative, among others. Based on simple methods and using natural materials, this system demonstrates the effectiveness of a decentralized approach to processing organic waste.
DX systems and artificial intelligence (AI) have enormous potential to optimize waste monitoring and management processes, including the reduction of food waste. Our Japanese partners, who have been conducting advanced research in this area for years, are using AI to analyze data to predict consumption and waste generation in retail and household settings. This enables the identification of key areas where effective strategies can be implemented to reduce waste generation and waste reduction. Professor Yasuhiro Matsui, who has been conducting research in this area since 2022, has enabled us to participate directly in this work. During my internship at Okayama University, my Ph.D. student also participated in the research there, one of the young female scientists from SGGW is currently staying there as part of a 3-year Ph.D. scholarship funded by the Japanese Government, and another will also participate in the Panel during the Osaka Expo. In my presentation, I will emphasize the importance of integrating traditional waste management methods with modern technologies to create scalable and sustainable solutions that can be implemented both in advanced facilities and in the daily lives of residents. Tackling food waste and litter requires a holistic approach that combines innovative technologies with local cultural conditions, resources and social education. Waste reduction is not only a technological problem, but also a social one, requiring cooperation between governments, scientists, businesses and society.
Why will this particular topic be raised during the conference? And is it your idea?
The conference theme is particularly relevant in the context of global challenges related to waste management, resource conservation and the environment. Food waste has serious environmental, economic and social consequences. In the face of climate change, pollution and the growing problem of hunger in the world, it requires urgent, systemic solutions. Organic waste recycling and its composting play a key role in strategies for sustainable resource management and reducing negative environmental impacts.
The idea to address this issue is the result of many years of research conducted by our team, scientists and Ph.D. students from the Institute of Civil Engineering at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences, in cooperation with international partners. We focus on effective waste management, sustainable development and innovative methods of processing and reusing raw materials recovered from waste. Thanks to this, we have managed to develop a theme that combines solid theoretical foundations with practical solutions of the circular economy solutions that are the subject of our research at the Institute. The conference is an excellent opportunity to start a discussion on global action to reduce waste, better manage resources and adapt societies to climate change.
What would you like to achieve for SGGW through your participation in the World Expo in Japan?
The participation in the World Expo in Japan aims to showcase the research achievements and innovative solutions developed by the research team from SGGW in the field of sustainable development, waste management and the use of compost in sustainable agriculture, construction and engineering. The goal is for our university to be perceived as a leader in the field of research on integrated waste management and its practical application in various sectors of the economy, especially in agriculture and engineering.
By participating in the World Exhibition, I would like to:
- Promote research and innovative approaches of SGGW in the international arena, especially those related to the circular economy.
- Establish new contacts and strengthen international cooperation with universities, research institutions and companies involved in sustainable development, which may lead to applications for new research and development projects and exchange of knowledge and experience.
- To increase the recognition of SGGW as a modern academic center that conducts innovative research and implements specific solutions for environmental protection, restoration of ecosystems and sustainable management of natural resources.
- Promote the implementation of research results at the global level, especially in the field of waste management and recycling, which will allow for the exchange of experiences and the application of our methods and technologies in other countries, including in the context of contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
Participation in the World Exhibition is an excellent opportunity to present the potential of SGGW in the field of sustainable development, which will contribute to strengthening the international position of our university in both research and education.
Thank you for the conversation.
Interviewer: Anita Kruk, SGGW Promotion Office