Circular Economy & AI Tools Workshop - Samarkand 2026
πŸŽ‰ First Announcement

Circular Economy & AI Tools in Solid Waste Management

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23-26 June, 2026

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4-Day International Virtual Workshop and Capacity Building Program

Jointly Organized By

About the Workshop

This workshop aims to build capacity in circular economy-driven solid waste management by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytics, and digital tools to optimize real-world waste systems. The program focuses on sustainable waste management practices using AI tools, fostering regional and global collaboration.

Jointly Organized By

  • Samarkand University, Uzbekistan (Host Institute)
  • WasteSafe Environmental Limited, Bangladesh (Lead Organizer & Program Management)
  • International Research Association for Circular Economy (IRACE), Europe
  • Bauhaus University Weimar, Germany
  • Padova University, Italy

In Partnership With

To be added soon

Learning Themes

🌍 Circular economy frameworks & resource recovery

Circular economy frameworks & resource recovery strategies for sustainable waste management systems.

πŸ™οΈ Urban solid waste management systems

Urban solid waste management systems and best practices for efficient waste collection and processing.

πŸ“Š Waste characterization & data analytics

Waste characterization & data analytics techniques for informed decision-making and system optimization.

πŸ€– AI & machine learning for engineers

AI & machine learning concepts for engineers to develop intelligent waste management solutions.

πŸ“± Smart bins, route optimization & forecasting

Smart bins, route optimization & forecasting using IoT and advanced algorithms.

πŸ‘οΈ Computer vision for waste segregation

Computer vision for waste segregation and automated sorting applications.

πŸ’‘ Decision-support systems & predictive analytics

Decision-support systems & predictive analytics for waste management planning.

πŸ’Ό Circular economy business models

Circular economy business models that create value and ensure economic sustainability.

Workshop Activities

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Expert Lectures & Keynote Sessions

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Hands-on labs (Python / Excel / Power BI)

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AI applications in waste management

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Group exercises & action plan development

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Field visits to facilities

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Fellowship, networking & certificate distribution

Tentative Outline of the Workshop

πŸ“… Day 1 – Foundations: Circular Economy & Sustainable Waste Systems

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Objective: Establish understanding of circular economy principles and global practices in waste management.
Time Session Topics / Activities
09:30–10:00 Inauguration & Introduction Welcome, objectives, participant introductions
10:00–11:00 Keynote Lecture: Transitioning from Linear to Circular Systems Concepts, drivers, benefits and challenges
11:15–12:30 Session 1: Circular Economy in Solid Waste Management Case studies: EU, Japan, India; circular loops in materials
13:30–15:00 Session 2: Waste Flow Mapping and Resource Recovery Life-cycle thinking, material flow analysis
15:15–16:30 Interactive Group Activity: Mapping Circular Loops in Local Waste Systems Group exercise & discussion
16:30–17:00 Day Wrap-up Reflections, Q&A

πŸ“… Day 2 – Solid Waste Management Systems & Technologies

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Objective: Understand technical, logistical and regulatory aspects of SWM.
Time Session Topics / Activities
09:30–11:00 Session 3: Overview of Urban Solid Waste Management Systems Generation, segregation, collection, transport, treatment, disposal
11:15–12:30 Session 4: Waste Characterization and Data Analytics Composition studies, waste audit techniques
13:30–15:00 Session 5: Recycling Technologies & Circular Resource Chains, Policy and Governance Composting, anaerobic digestion, plastic recycling, e-waste, Polluters Responsibilities
15:00–17:00 Field Visit Landfill & Waste to Energy Facilities

πŸ“… Day 3 – Introduction to AI & Data Science for Waste Management

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Objective: Build understanding of AI tools, data requirements and their applications in SWM.
Time Session Topics / Activities
09:30–11:00 Session 7: AI and Machine Learning Concepts for Professional Engineers Basics: supervised vs unsupervised learning, neural networks
11:15–12:30 Session 8: Data Sources in SWM & Data Preprocessing IoT sensors, GIS, public datasets, preprocessing pipelines
13:30–15:00 Hands-on Lab 1: Exploring Data with Python / Excel / Power BI Data visualization, trend detection
15:15–16:30 Session 9: AI Applications in all tiers of Waste Management Smart bins, route optimization, forecasting, fleet management and energy savings
16:30–17:00 Recap Discussion & Case Study Linking AI insights to resource recover, circular economy outcomes and best practices

πŸ“… Day 4 – Advanced Tools and Practical Training

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Objective: Apply AI and digital tools for optimizing SWM operations.
Time Session Topics / Activities
09:30–11:00 Session 10: Computer Vision for Waste Segregation Image classification using AI models; case demo
11:15–12:30 Hands-on Lab 2: Using AI Tools Build a basic model or workflow
13:30–14:30 Session 11: Decision Support Systems and Predictive Analytics Integrating AI models with decision-making platforms
14:30–15:00 Discussion & Peer Feedback Sharing outputs of hands-on work
15:00–17:00 Field Visit Waste recycling and resource recover facilities

πŸ“… Day 5 – Integration, Policy and Future Directions

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Objective: Synthesize technical and policy insights, discuss implementation and research directions.
Time Session Topics / Activities
09:30–11:00 Session 13: Circular Economy Business Models in Waste Sector Industrial symbiosis, digital platforms for recyclables
11:15–12:30 Group Exercise: Developing Action Plans or Research Proposals Teams present circular + AI project ideas
13:30–14:45 Valedictory Session & Certificate Distribution Summary, participant feedback, closing remarks
15:00–17:00 Tour in around Samarkand City to see the cultural heritage To build cultural bonding with central Asia
Note: The academic content and session structure will be revised further in consultation with partner universities to ensure academic relevance and quality.

Target Audience

βš™οΈ Professional Engineers
🌱 Environmental Practitioners
πŸ”¬ Researchers & Academics
πŸŽ“ Postgraduate Students
πŸ›οΈ Policymakers & Urban System Managers

Speakers

Prof. Muhammed Alamgir

Muhammed Alamgir is an environmental and civil engineering expert with extensive experience in solid waste management, faecal sludge management and circular economy–based waste systems. He has been involved in applied research, international collaboration and technical studies related to sustainable waste and resource recovery. He has contributed to numerous large-scale projects addressing urban waste, sanitation and environmental challenges. He has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and international conference proceedings. His work focuses on practical and research-driven solutions for sustainable waste management.

Prof. Raffello Cossu

Raffaello Cossu is an internationally recognized expert in circular economy and waste management with decades of academic and research experience. He has made major contributions to the development of modern waste treatment technologies, landfill engineering and resource recovery systems. He has been actively involved in international research networks, academic publishing and policy advisory initiatives. His work has influenced circular economy practices and waste management strategies across Europe and globally. He has served as an author, editor and scientific advisor for numerous international research programs and conferences.

Dr. Thomas Haupt

Thomas Haupt is a researcher specializing in digital systems, data analytics and AI-supported approaches for sustainability and urban systems. His academic work focuses on applying digital technologies to environmental challenges, including waste management and resource efficiency. He has participated in interdisciplinary research projects combining environmental engineering, data science and smart systems. His research interests include data-driven planning, decision-support systems and digital innovation for sustainable development.

Prof. Ravshanov Alikul

Professor Ravshanov Alikul Xudayeberdiyevich is the Dean of the Faculty of Geography and Ecology at Samarkand State University. He leads one of the university's long-established faculties, founded in 1966, with strong traditions in geographic and environmental research. Under his academic leadership, the faculty offers programs in geography, ecology, hydrometeorology, soil science and hydrology. He oversees research activities in environmental protection, water resource management, renewable energy mapping and regional ecological assessment. The faculty actively engages in applied and innovative research projects related to environmental sustainability and resource management. He has supported international academic collaboration, including participation in European programs such as TACIS/TEMPUS and ongoing cooperation under international initiatives like ECAP. His work emphasizes strengthening scientific research, international partnerships and capacity building in environmental and geographic sciences.

Prof. Md. Sazzad Hossain

Professor Md. Sazzad Hossain is a computer science and engineering academic with expertise in quantum algorithms, information security and advanced computational systems. He completed his PhD at Portland State University, USA, in 2009 with a dissertation titled "Classical and Quantum Search Algorithms for Quantum Schemes and the Optimisation of Quantum Oracles." He has been serving at the Department of Control Theory and Information Security at Samarkand State University since 2025. His academic work focuses on algorithm design, secure information systems and emerging computing technologies. He has authored three textbooks and more than one hundred research articles and theses, with over fifty publications indexed in Scopus. He has supervised more than fifty graduate theses and one doctoral dissertation. His work emphasizes advancing research capacity and innovation in computational science and information security.

Prof. Mohammad Suhail

Professor Mohammad Suhail holds a PhD in Geography and has been serving at Samarkand State University since 2023. He completed his doctoral research in 2016 with a dissertation titled "Water Resource Management in Saudi Arabia." Prior to his current position, he worked at Aligarh Muslim University in India. Dr. Suhail specializes in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing and water resource management. His academic work focuses on spatial analysis, environmental planning and sustainable resource management. His expertise supports data-driven environmental analysis and geospatial applications for sustainable development initiatives.

Dr. Valentina Grossule

Valentina Grossule is an environmental engineering researcher with a strong background in waste management, circular economy and sustainable resource recovery. Her academic work includes research on waste treatment technologies, environmental impact assessment and circular system design. She has contributed to European research initiatives and international conferences on sustainable waste management. Her work focuses on integrating scientific research with practical and policy-relevant applications.

S. M. Tariqul Islam

S. M. Tariqul Islam is an environmental professional with experience in solid waste management, faecal sludge management, climate change and disaster risk management. He has been involved in research, consultancy and training activities related to environmental sustainability and urban resilience. His work includes field-based assessments, environmental analysis and technical reporting. He has contributed to projects supported by national and international organizations. He has published work in peer-reviewed journals and international conference proceedings related to environmental management.

Gregor Biastoch

Gregor Biastoch is an environmental data scientist with expertise in data analytics, modeling and digital tools for environmental applications. His research focuses on integrating data-driven approaches into environmental monitoring, pollution control and sustainability assessment. He has contributed to international research projects addressing plastic pollution, waste systems and environmental data analysis. His work supports evidence-based decision-making in environmental and circular economy initiatives.

Nur-E-Jannat Pollen

Nur-E-Jannat Pollen is an environmental engineering professional with experience in solid waste management, faecal sludge management and environmental impact assessment. She has worked on research and development projects addressing sanitation systems, waste treatment and environmental monitoring. Her experience includes field investigations, system assessments and technical reporting. She has contributed to international conference publications related to waste and sanitation. Her work emphasizes practical, field-oriented environmental solutions.

Workshop Registration

Secure your place at this exclusive international workshop

Participant Registration Fee:

$200 USD
Per Participant

Limited Seats: Only 40 participants

Get in Touch

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Email

wastesafe.bd@gmail.com
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WhatsApp

+880 1940 829424
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Website

www.wastesafe.info

© 2026 Circular Economy & AI Tools Workshop. All rights reserved.

Organized by Samarkand State University in partnership with international partners