Antonia Vyrkou

Antonia Vyrkou is a Research Fellow in the Department of Physical and Life Sciences at the School of Arts and Humanities, Bath Spa University. She is actively engaged in sustainability assessment of novel textile recycling processes and accepts PhD students in related fields. Previously, she was a Daphne Jackson Research Fellow at the University of Huddersfield, where she worked on molecular simulations for anticancer drug design.

Education:

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (2012)
• Undergraduate Diploma in Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens (2005)

Dr. Vyrkou's research focuses on sustainability, life cycle assessment (LCA), circular economy, and molecular simulations. Her work spans environmental impact assessment of agricultural and industrial systems, textile recycling (especially cotton and wool), and sustainable material processing using plasma technologies. She applies computational methods to study biomolecules and organic complexes, contributing to both environmental science and biochemical engineering.

Her recent publications highlight trends in dynamic LCA, water loop closure in industries, hydrophobic treatment of textiles, and industrial symbiosis. These works reflect a strong commitment to sustainable development and resource efficiency, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals. The interdisciplinary nature of her research bridges environmental science, materials engineering, and green chemistry.

Scientific Awards:

• Daphne Jackson Research Fellowship

Dr. Vyrkou has advised no named students yet but is currently accepting PhD candidates. She has contributed to multiple collaborative research projects and editorial work, including serving as an editor for a journal. Her research is supported by active collaborations with experts in environmental systems and sustainable engineering. She has participated in several oral presentations on sustainability topics.

She is involved in research teams focusing on industrial symbiosis (AquaSPICE), textile waste valorization, and sustainable material innovation. Her work integrates experimental and computational approaches to advance circular economy principles in both industrial and environmental contexts.