Head of Cluster Message

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Solid waste disposal has become an ever-increasing problem in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries. Current volume of waste generated continues to increase over years.  Many challenges are faced by the local authority to treat and dispose the solid waste generated from community. A lot of research works are necessary in searching for a holistic and sustainable solution to the waste problem.

The Solid Waste Management Cluster @ USM is committed to building upon its excellent talent and facility bases in order to pursue new applied research and development (R&D) opportunities in the area of solid waste management. Our vision includes a multidisciplinary research component, solving specific waste management problems faced by the country such as in the area of landfill technology. We also include human capital development of postgraduate students as one of our main pillars as we see that quality research can only be obtained through excellent researchers.

The team in the cluster are very active waste management research specialist, working in various disciplines of waste management related issues. Among the focus areas include but are not limited to waste processing and treatment, waste management data, leachate treatment and management, sustainable waste facility sitting and restoration, planning and management, waste to wealth, and air pollution and biogas. The research works undertaken by USM researchers has contributed significantly to the scientific knowledge in relation to solid waste. The researchers have contributed in many ways to Malaysia and to society in general mainly through the impact of extensive knowledge in the field. Many quality papers have been published in various high quality journals. Most of these received high citations. The number of research grants received, external and internal has been tremendous. The researchers have also been very active in consultancy works and have got a good networking, national and international. With this testimony and with a good team work, I have a full faith that the cluster will propel to a greater height in the near future.

As we develop targeted research thrusts over the next five years, we fully anticipate the SWAM @ USM to be recognized as one of the premier universities in the region conducting solid waste management-related research. This is an exciting moment for the SWAM @ USM as we embark upon the development of an expanded research base that will benefit both students, university and country alike.