Dame Ellen MacArthur to launch new University of Exeter Business School centre dedicated to addressing some of the world’s greatest challenges

Dame Ellen, who made yachting history when she became the fastest solo sailor to circumnavigate the globe and who now advocates for the circular economy, will officially mark the launch of the Business School’s new Centre for Circular Economy at the event.

The centre’s mission is to work with business and governments on a global scale to support research and educational innovations leading to a more circular economy, where products and services are redefined and there is less waste and negative impact. This includes the transition to renewable energy.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation was launched in 2010 to accelerate the transition to a circular economy and in November 2017, the University of Exeter was awarded the accolade of Global Pioneer University by the Foundation, Exeter joins a group of only eight Universities globally to achieve this status. Since its creation the charity has emerged as a global thought leader, establishing the circular economy on the agenda of decision makers across business, government and academia.

The public can hear Dame Ellen speak about her Foundation and its work at a free public lecture at the University of Exeter on Thursday 13 September.

Michele Miller, Senior Lecturer in Circular Economy from the University of Exeter Business School’s Centre for Circular Economy, said: “We are delighted Dame Ellen will officially launch our centre. Working in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and its global membership will enable the University to contribute more effectively to the development of this important work.

“The circular economy is gaining momentum among business and policy makers. This centre presents a unique opportunity for the Business School to support the implementation and accelerate the shift to a circular economy for the benefit of society.”

Since the publication of its first economic report in 2012, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation has launched global initiatives on plastics (New Plastics Economy) and textiles (Make Fashion Circular), developed innovation networks with educators, businesses, and governments, and released almost 20 further reports and books. Dame Ellen is a World Economic Forum Global Agenda Trustee for Environment and Natural Resource Security and member of its Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy, and she sat on the European Commission’s Resource Efficiency Platform between 2012 and 2014.

Dame Ellen’s lecture will take place between 2pm and 3pm in Streatham Court, Lecture Theatre A at the University of Exeter's Business School. She will be joined in conversation with the Director of the Centre for Circular Economy, Professor Peter Hopkinson, followed by a question and answer session.

Register for the event at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/university-of-exeter-centre-for-circular-economy-launch-ellen-macarthur-lecture-tickets-48946357874