Elsevier Young Researcher of the Year

The aim of the award is to recognize and reward the talent, knowledge and expertise of young researchers in the UK in a variety of disciplines. Although Francis missed out on winning the award, the nomination recognizes his outstanding achievements as an early career researcher  and his significant contributions to Environmental Sciences. The award honours researchers in or recently graduated from a training programme such as graduate school or whose research work must have made demonstrable impact in their field. The award is developed in association with the US/UK Fulbright Commission to recognise the achievements of young researchers and the institutions that foster them in the UK.

Dr Ongondo's current work focuses on closed-loop resource efficiency especially in the area of critical and strategic raw materials vital for the production of electrical and electronic equipment. His research aims to advance the science of understanding how demand for strategic raw materials and other resources impact the environment and society. His work addresses methods to understand, improve and  integrate various approaches that foster a circular economy.

Dr Ongondo said: "I am extremely honoured by this nomination and humbled to be included in the list of some of the best Environmental Sciences researchers in the country. The nomination underscores University of Southampton's commitment to nurturing the careers of its young researchers".

Nick Fowler, Managing Director Academic & Government Institutions, Elsevier said that: "UK institutions consistently produce quality young talent, helping to contribute to the excellent research performance we see across the country. Our hope is that awards like these will help to celebrate and showcase young talent in a large range of research disciplines and encourage the next generation of researchers to think big and aim high."

Penny Egan, Executive Director, US- UK Fulbright Commission added: "These awards are not just meant to acknowledge the outstanding performance of the young researchers, but should also be seen as confirmation of their ability to succeed in their chosen field and help them to feel more confident at the beginning of their careers opening up new opportunities for future work."