The International Union of Leather Technologists and Chemists Societies (IULTCS) has officially announced the winners of its prestigious 2025 IUR Research Grants, recognizing two outstanding young scientists for their innovative contributions to the leather industry. These grants, aimed at researchers under 35, encourage groundbreaking studies that push the boundaries of leather science.
This year, the Basic Leather Research Grant and the Sustainability/Environmental Grant were awarded to two exceptional researchers. Their projects promise to enhance leather production by making it more sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced.
Basic Leather Research Grant 2025
Mr. Zoheb Akhter – LASRA, New Zealand
Project:
Alkaline Hydrolysis of Zeolite and Chrome Shavings: Investigating the Fate of Their Hydrolysate and Undigested Materials
Objective:
This research seeks to explore the purity of hydrolysates generated during the alkaline hydrolysis process. It will provide critical insights into how tanning agents, such as chrome and zeolites, influence hydrolysis, shedding light on their environmental and industrial implications.
Professor Mike Redwood Sustainability/Environmental Grant 2025
Dr. Yudan Yi – Jiaxing University, China
Project:
A Cationic Amphiphilic Acrylic Copolymer for Metal-Free Eco-Leather Production: Integration of Retanning and Fatliquoring
Objective: Dr. Yi’s project focuses on developing a dual-function copolymer designed to create high-performance, metal-free eco-leather. This innovative material aims to reduce chemical usage, minimize wastewater discharge, and streamline the leather production process, making it more sustainable and efficient.
Unlike previous years, the Leather Machinery/Equipment Grant will not be awarded in 2025.
The success of the IULTCS Research Grants would not be possible without the support of industry leaders. Special recognition goes to:
Tyson Leather – Sponsor of the Basic Leather Research Grant
Leather Naturally – Sponsor of the Sustainability/Environmental Grant
IULTCS Research Commission (IUR) – Led by Dr. Volker Rabe, for their dedication to evaluating and advancing leather science research.
