Mariano Ramirez

Dr. Mariano Ramirez is a Senior Lecturer and Discipline Director of Industrial Design at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) School of Built Environment. With over 70 publications on design for sustainability and presentations at 30+ international conferences, he is recognized as a thought leader in sustainable design. He has served as a Visiting Academic at 24 universities across 10 countries and as a PhD Examiner in Australian, Swedish, and Italian universities.

• Education: PhD (Technological University of the Philippines, 2001), MSc in Industrial Design (UNSW, 1993), BSc in Industrial Design (Mapúa Institute of Technology, 1986)

His research focuses on environmental sustainability and social responsibility in industrial design, including circular economy strategies, waste minimization, and responsible consumption through product design. He has contributed to UN Sustainable Development Goals via collaborations in 12 countries.

Grants include:

• $200,000 NSW Circular Challenge Program (2022) for hospital waste recycling
• $120,000 Transport for NSW (2024) for smart seating
• $20,000 UNSW-MAHE Collaborative Research Grant (2020)

Awards:

• UNSW Built Environment Learning & Teaching Excellence Award (2017)
• Emerald Literati Network Award for Excellence (2007)
• UNSW Dean’s Research Excellence Award (2012)

He leads the South-to-South Project (2018-present) and serves on the Editorial Board of Sustainability (MDPI). His teaching includes Industrial Design in the Asian Century and Design Collaboration Studio.