With his research on the Raw Materials Station (Het Gronstoffenstation) in the Afrikaanderwijk in Rotterdam, Tadé Whenu, master's student of Industrial Ecology, has won the Rachel Carson Thesis Award 2026.
Whena received this for his thesis 'The Circular Economy in practice: Using an action research approach to determine the role of the Raw Materials Station in shaping multiple value creation in the Afrikaanderwijk'.
This annual award from the VVM Network of Environmental Professionals recognizes the best MSc thesis in the field of environment and sustainability and rewards research that combines scientific quality with societal relevance.
Tadé Whenu succeeds in capturing the true added value of circular activities.'
The jury spoke highly of the thesis project: 'Tadé Whenu succeeds in capturing the true added value of circular activities. His thesis stands out because of the impressive description of the research, the strong involvement of the neighbourhood and the robust way in which he validated his results.'
For his graduation, Tadé researched the role of the Raw Materials Station in the Afrikaanderwijk in Rotterdam, a circular community movement that goes beyond just waste collection.
Participatory action research
With participatory action research (a method in which researchers and participants work together to understand and improve a situation), he mapped out how the initiative creates not only ecological and economic value, but also sociocultural and aesthetic value. In addition, Tadé investigated how municipal policy can support these different forms of value creation.
Communities and their collective action are essential pillars of systemic change.'
Tadé looks back on his studies and thesis with warmth. 'My thesis showed me how essential neighbourhood and community initiatives can be in shaping a new society,' he says. 'Through the Afrikaanderwijk community and the research they have allowed me, I have come to understand that communities and their collective action are essential pillars of system change.
The Raw Materials Station (Grondstoffenstation) offers a collaborative, bottom-up perspective on social transitions, something that government and market alone cannot offer. Initiatives such as the Raw Materials Station should therefore be recognised as important elements in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future.'
Industrial Ecology, a study programme from Delft and Leiden
The two-year Master's programme in Industrial Ecology is a collaboration between Leiden University and Delft University of Technology. The programme offers a toolbox for sustainable development in the form of a systematic approach to man-made problems. Technical, environmental and social aspects are integrated.
