Circular Economy, Outreach and Scientific Initiatives

Beyond his research activities, Alberto García-Peñas is strongly committed to promoting the circular economy and sustainable engineering. Through academic programs, international conferences, and interdisciplinary outreach initiatives, he actively contributes to connecting research, industry, policy, and society in the transition toward more sustainable production and materials systems.

Master’s Program in Circular Engineering

Alberto García-Peñas is the promoter, coordinator, and academic secretary of the Master’s Degree in Circular Engineering at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid. This program is one of the first specialized programs in Spa in focused on engineering solutions for the circular economy.

The program aims to train engineers capable of designing sustainable industrial processes, circular materials systems, and energy-efficient technologies, responding to the growing demand for professionals able to transform the current linear production model into a circular and sustainable industrial system aligned with European environmental and innovation strategies.

Students develop expertise in areas such as:

Ecodesign and sustainable product development
Circular materials and recycling technologies
Energy efficiency and sustainable industrial transformation
Life-cycle assessment and environmental engineering

More information about the program:
👉 https://www.uc3m.es/master/circular-engineering

CIRMAT – Circular Materials Congress

Alberto García-Peñas is the founder and president of CIRMAT (Circular Materials), a multidisciplinary congress dedicated to advancing technologies and strategies for the circular economy.

CIRMAT provides a platform where students, researchers, companies, and public institutions can discuss the scientific, technological, and industrial challenges associated with circularity. The congress includes scientific talks, industrial sessions, round tables, and networking activities aimed at accelerating innovation in sustainable materials and circular production systems.

The initiative is co-organized with Dr. María Teresa Pérez Prior and brings together universities, research institutes, and leading companies involved in sustainability and innovation.

More information:
👉 https://www.cirmat24.es

Polymer Connect

(Valencia 2023 – Athens 2024 – Tenerife 2025 – Madrid 2026)

Alberto García-Peñas is also the founder and organizer of Polymer Connect, an international conference focused on polymer science, advanced materials, and sustainable polymer technologies.

The conference brings together leading researchers, industry experts, and early-career scientists, creating a collaborative environment where scientific discovery and industrial innovation meet. Polymer Connect aims to strengthen international networks and promote the development of next-generation polymer materials and sustainable manufacturing technologies.

More information:
👉 https://polymersconference.yuktan.com/

Ciclonferencias – Interdisciplinary Dialogues on Circularity

The Ciclonferencias are interdisciplinary forums designed to promote debate around the societal, technological, and economic challenges of the circular economy.

These events bring together participants from diverse fields—including engineering, journalism, policy, business, and research—to foster dialogue and collaboration. By integrating multiple perspectives, the Ciclonferencias encourage critical reflection and broaden the discussion on sustainability and circularity.

Media and Public Outreach

In addition to his academic activities, Alberto García-Peñas contributes regularly to public debate on sustainability and circular economy through a column in the Spanish newspaper El Español.

Through his articles, he discusses topics related to circular economy, sustainable materials, energy transition, and the societal implications of technological innovation, helping to bring scientific perspectives closer to the general public.

Read his articles here:
👉 https://www.elespanol.com/autor/alberto-garcia-penas/