Pakistani scientist Dr. Muhammad Mujtaba, currently based at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, has been honoured with Finland’s Young Researcher Award 2025 for his pioneering work on developing eco-friendly, bio-based materials that could transform industries reliant on plastics and chemicals.
Dr. Mujtaba’s award-winning project, titled CELLIGHT, focuses on creating sustainable alternatives to toxic minerals used in paints, plastics, and coatings. The project utilizes natural compounds like cellulose and chitin—abundant, renewable biomaterials derived from plants and marine sources—to develop environmentally safe and high-performance materials.
CELLIGHT: Redefining Green Innovation
The CELLIGHT project is designed to tackle one of today’s most urgent environmental challenges: reducing reliance on hazardous, non-biodegradable materials. By integrating advanced nanotechnology and bioengineering techniques, Dr. Mujtaba and his team aim to replace heavy metals and synthetic compounds in everyday products with clean, biodegradable alternatives.
Their research holds promise not only for greener consumer products but also for creating new pathways in circular economy solutions, where waste materials are repurposed into sustainable industrial resources.
From Rural Pakistan to Global Recognition
Dr. Mujtaba’s story is one of perseverance and scientific excellence. Coming from a small town in Pakistan, his journey to becoming an internationally recognized scientist symbolizes the growing global impact of Pakistani researchers in the fields of sustainability and material sciences.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Finnish officials praised his work as “a breakthrough in sustainable material science with tangible real-world applications.”
The recognition positions Dr. Mujtaba as a leading voice in the movement toward green innovation and reflects the increasing collaboration between Pakistan and Europe in climate-conscious research.
His success also shines a spotlight on the importance of investing in science and innovation to address global environmental challenges.
As CELLIGHT progresses, Dr. Mujtaba hopes to see its applications extended to industrial paints, automotive materials, and medical coatings, setting new global standards for sustainable production.