SPARKS: Building a Circular Resource Economy will bring together researchers and invited representatives from industry, government, and national laboratories to exchange ideas, explore shared challenges, and identify potential areas for collaboration.

Hosted by the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development, the event will feature a series of five-minute lightning talks highlighting research, technologies, capabilities, and opportunities related to the circular resource economy. Facilitated networking will provide participants with time to continue conversations and make connections across disciplines, institutions, and sectors.

Areas of focus

Topics may include:

• Circular bioeconomy and biomanufacturing: renewable materials, biomass utilization, bioproducts, resource recovery, and sustainable manufacturing
• Water, energy, and resource systems: bioenergy, hydrogen, nuclear energy, carbon management, water systems, and integrated energy solutions
• Markets, policy, workforce, and communities: technology commercialization, workforce development, economics, education, public policy, community engagement, and regional innovation

For UT faculty interested in giving a lighting talk, please submit a 300-word (maximum) description of your proposed lightning talk here.

Who should attend?

SPARKS is intended for faculty, researchers and external stakeholders interested in:

• Learning about emerging research, technologies, and capabilities
• Identifying complementary expertise and potential collaborators
• Exploring research and technology challenges across sectors
• Building connections that could support future projects and partnerships

[REGISTER FOR SPARKS]

For questions, contact April Armes (armesac@utk.edu).

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Come hear bold new directions take shape, and stay to connect with colleagues and campus research leaders as ideas spark conversation, collaboration, and next-step opportunities. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, potential partners, or a window into emerging trends, this symposium is designed to ignite cross-campus dialogue and foster innovative thinking.

Don’t miss this chance to explore transformative ideas, build new connections, and be part of a vibrant academic community driving discovery forward. All are welcome to attend!

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