TRAILBLAZER
Prof. Linda Godfrey – a distinguished Principal Scientist at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and an accomplished Associate Professor at Northwest University in South Africa brings more than two decades of expertise to her current roles.
BY RAINE ST.CLAIRE
Prof. Godfrey has actively engaged in waste and circular economy initiatives at various levels, collaborating with esteemed organisations such as the United Nations, European Union, and South African Government Departments. Currently leading the Waste RDI Roadmap Implementation Unit for the Department of Science and Technology, her research focuses on the waste sector’s role in South Africa’s green economy transition, waste innovation, economics, governance, and social and behavioural aspects of integrated waste management.
PROFESSOR LINDA GODFREY
PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST: WASTE AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY MANAGER: WASTE RDI ROADMAP IMPLEMENTATION UNIT, CSIR
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n October 30, 2023, UNEP announced CSIR as a 2023 Champion of the Earth, specifically in the Science and Innovation category. It is an acknowledgment of groundbreaking work pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and technology for positive impacts on the environment. This recognition, awarded following a public nomination process and global jury evaluation, signifies the CSIR’s standout performance among over 2500 nominations.
CSIR’s pivotal role in advancing plastic research is evident through its comprehensive approach, encompassing innovative technologies, evidence of South Africa’s response to managing plastic waste, and the development of high-value end-use markets for a circular plastics economy. Prof. Godfrey emphasises, “We want to keep plastic out of the environment.” The Champions of the Earth award validates CSIR’s commitment to innovation and the calibre of its researchers.
30 | Public Sector Leaders | March 2024
Prof. Godfrey has provided strategic input for various waste and green economy initiatives, collaborating with international organisations and contributing extensively to publications in the field. With over 125 research reports, 25 conference papers, 12 journal papers, and five book chapters, her expertise is sought globally, making her a distinguished speaker at numerous scientific events.
In a strategic move, CSIR is developing environmentally sustainable materials to replace singleuse plastics that aren’t recycled.