Marianna Guagliano

My name is Marianna Guagliano and I am a postdoctoral researcher at the Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta” at Politecnico di Milano. My doctoral work focused on the development of sustainable materials from waste biomass, with the aim of transforming agricultural residues into new resources useful for the environment and technological innovation. Currently, I am dedicated to developing innovative methods for the recovery of rare earth elements using circular materials.

I grew up in Pavia, a city where I began my scientific journey by studying Biotechnology at the University of Pavia. My curiosity about materials and their potential then led me to the Politecnico di Milano, where I earned a PhD in Materials Engineering.

During my research journey, I focused on the valorization of chestnut supply chain waste through the production of biochar, a vegetal charcoal that can be used both for environmental applications, such as water treatment, and for innovative applications in the veterinary sector.

I strongly believe in the value of collaboration and cross-pollination between disciplines: in my journey, I have had the opportunity to work with academic and industrial partners, spend a research period at the CSIC in Spain, and contribute to various international scientific publications and conferences.

I strongly believe in the value of scientific communication as a tool to bring the public closer to the themes of sustainability and innovation. In this context, I participated in the activity “In Search of Gold”, aimed at children and organized during the Engineering Festival at the Politecnico di Milano, with the goal of raising awareness among young people about the importance of the proper disposal of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and the recovery of precious materials contained in electronic devices.  

I am passionate about the idea that science can contribute concretely to sustainability and society. For this reason, I commit myself every day to promoting a circular approach to research, where what we currently consider waste can become the foundation for tomorrow's solutions.