Erbil, Iraq, May 22, 2025 – Dr. Nurhafizah Hashim, Research Group Leader of the Advanced Optical Materials Research Group (AOMRG) from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), was invited as a distinguished speaker at the International Workshop on Green Transformation: Empowering Communities Through Sustainable Waste Management Education hosted by Tishk International University (TIU), Iraq.

The event, organized by the Biology Education Department of TIU, brought together experts, educators, and climate advocates from around the world to discuss innovative approaches to sustainable waste management. Dr. Nurhafizah delivered a compelling presentation titled “Self-Cleaning Materials: A Step Toward Smart Waste Reduction,” where she shared her research on advanced materials and their potential in reducing environmental waste through nanotechnology-based solutions.

The workshop served as a collaborative platform under the theme “From Waste to Wisdom: Building Resilient Communities Through Education, Innovation, and Action.” It featured an impressive lineup of speakers including Mr. Muhammad Jabar Ali (UNICEF), Mr. Gashbin Idrees (Hasar Organization), and Mrs. Norlidah Othman (Vostro Institute & Epworth Richmond Hospital, Australia), alongside Dr. Nurhafizah Hashim.

Dr. Nurhafizah expressed her gratitude to the Biology Education Department of TIU for the warm hospitality and to Dr. Sawsan Hamed for the kind invitation. “It was an honour to be part of this meaningful initiative and to connect with like-minded professionals who are committed to driving sustainability through education and research,” she said.

The workshop concluded with renewed commitment among participants to turn environmental challenges into opportunities for innovation and education, fostering a more resilient and eco-conscious future.