Tyre Stewardship Australia appoints science & innovation advisor

Dr Linda Mitchell has joined Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) as the organisation’s first science and innovation advisor. TSA calls this appointment “another step forward in advancing Australia’s competitiveness in managing its own tyre waste stream and unlocking opportunities for the national economy.”

In this role and as part of the TSA strategy team, Mitchell will build the organisation’s open-access research library to aid government and industry in decision making, be a key point of contact for science and innovation communities, link research to commercial opportunities and outcomes, work with industry to address risks and pursue opportunities in finding solutions for end-of-life tyres, and foster innovation and entrepreneurship.

“This new role is about building our capability to collaborate with, and support, science and innovation sectors critical to research and development of new products from used tyres,” comments Lina Goodman, TSA chief executive officer. “It’s also about connecting research and industry to increase commercial returns, such as the creation of new markets, technology, skills and jobs.”

Creating valuable insights

Dr Mitchell recently completed a PhD in chemistry at the University of Sydney, and already has hands-on experience through work with China’s Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Durham University in the UK, as well as Australia’s Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources.

“She came to TSA through a professional internship program in 2021, during which she demonstrated the value of applying scientific rigour to the collection, analysis and reporting of our data to create valuable insights,” continues Goodman. “As well as being an excellent communicator, Dr Mitchell brings a fresh approach, new ideas and a strong understanding of the risks and opportunities around tyre use and recycling, including the impact of tyre chemicals on the environment.

“This appointment is also a great example of connecting science graduates with industry to establish new career pathways. I am delighted that TSA has been able to create this opportunity for emerging talent like Dr Mitchell and am excited to see what we can achieve together.”

TSA will release the freshly minted science and innovation advisor’s first report on the impact of microplastics and tyre and road wear plastics (TWRP) on community health and the environment in early 2022.