Submit a Real-World Research Problem Satement on Plastics Circularity

UH Energy invites you to submit real-world research problem statements that students will tackle as part of the Plastics Circularity initiative.

We're Looking For

Research challenges related to plastics recycling and circularity such as:

  • Plastic waste collection and recovery
  • Life cycle analysis
  • Advanced recycling technologies
  • Feedstock quality and impurity detection
  • Policy and regulatory issues

Examples of previous challenge statements:

  • Improving plastic waste collection systems to increase recovery and reduce leakage
  • Advanced recycling: detection and sorting of impurities in plastic feedstock

How It Works

  • Your problem statement will be assigned to a student or student team.
  • Students will work on the challenge over 8 weeks.
  • You are invited to mentor students as Subject Matter Experts for up to 2 hours per week (max. 15 hours over 8 weeks).
  • 10 projects to be assigned over Fall, Spring, and Summer (2026–2027).

Why Participate?

Partner with us to

  • Connect directly with top UH talent
  • Build an early talent pipeline
  • Increase your brand visibility
  • Shape solutions to plastics circularity challenges

Submit Your Problem Statement Today

Fall 2026 Submission Deadline: August 1, 2026

No cost to participating organizations