Application for the Schmidt MacArthur Fellowship - PhD Candidate Michael SAIDANI

Hi, my name is Michael Saidani. I'm a French Ph.D. student at the Paris-Saclay University under the direction of Prof. Yannou. My research project seeks to close-the-loop of heavy vehicles and associated components. And I'm applying for the Schmidt MacArthur Fellowship 2017.

Having a background in mechanics and sensitive to environmental issues, I've decided to get specialized in eco-design and circular economy to integrate these aspects into engineering practices. Indeed, the promises of circular economy to support sustainable development are appealing.

However, the circular economy still needs to be activated and boosted in some sectors. This is especially true for the heavy-duty industry.

Investigations have been performed through the lens of not only the four feedback loops but also the four building blocks of the circular economy defined by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. In this light, best industrial practices, remaining challenges and wasted opportunities have been identified.

Also, to successfully achieve the transition towards a more circular economy, it becomes essential for industrial practitioners to get the right and suitable methods, tools and indicators. As such, a framework to measure, improve and monitor products' circularity is currently under development.

Importantly, industrial engineering tools - such as Material Flow Analysis and System Dynamics - will be used to bring more analytical and systemic thinking. Through prospective scenarios, it will lead to the evaluation of several action levers in the circularity performance.

Last but not least, as I'm truly motivated, this fellowship will be an outstanding opportunity for me to get involved in the EMF community and actively contribute to the development of new meaningful insights.