Selection announcement for the awarding of no. 1 Research Assignments, pursuant to Art. 22-ter of Law no. 240 of 30 December 2010 – 2026_IR_13_GEO–““Data Science e Life Cycle Assessment nel riciclo di residui agricoli in Africa Sub-Sahariana

The project aims to develop low environmental impact cementitious binders from agricultural waste rich in reactive silica (rice husk ash) and other residual biomasses (biochar, lignosulfonates). The approach is multidisciplinary and combines: 1) chemical-mineralogical characterization and aqueous solution geochemistry; 2) statistical methods and machine learning for mixture formulation; 3) environmental impact assessment through LCA. The research envisages the formulation low carbon footprint cementitious mixtures, partially or fully replacing Portland cement with ash from African agricultural waste. Chemometric techniques and data science will be implemented to optimize parameters such as mechanical strength, rheology and environmental impact.