2021 is here but the world has changed. Far from escaping the COVID crisis it seems that the worst months will be early this year. In education, reorientation towards online learning has meant both additional work from staff and students and a financial burden for both. Many universities have cut academic posts and research has been disrupted. This much we know. IS4CE has not been insulated from change.
The IS4CE was built around core support from the University of Exeter but this partnership formally ended at the end of December 2020. A solid base for growth in terms of membership, the website; mailing lists and our successful summer conference is the legacy of 2019-20.
We also know that the interest and engagement with the circular economy at all levels has grown; it is flagged as a contribution to rebuilding economies after the pandemic, a contributor to reducing carbon emissions and a source of economic opportunity. A reconfigured IS4CE will be exploring with its membership how best to take advantage of this trend.
Building the Network - Call for Volunteers
IS4CE is establishing working groups to further activity within a number of key arenas. If members wish to put themselves forward to help shape and deliver IS4CE programmes please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before February 28th. The key working groups at this stage are:
• Conferences and Events
• Social Media and Communications
• Membership Support and Adminstration (Secretariat) including Technical support for website
• Ideation/ Special Interest Groups
• Knowledge sharing/Education and Training
The expectation will be that working groups will be action orientated and limited to approximately 6 members for ease of working.
A special someone is invited to manage the networking and liaison between administration and working groups and the temporary board.
Special Issue of Circular Economy and Sustainability.
Check the Journal website for updates. The call for papers is closed.
Conference Proceedings
This publication is slated for release after a slight delay on February 8th 2021. Members will receive free digital versions at that time but print editions can be supplied at cost via a print on demand service (details to follow)
Ken Webster Director of the IS4CE (2020-21)