We are officially launched!

Introducing PlastIC: AUB’s New Research Centre for Plastics Innovation and Curation

We’re thrilled to announce that PlastIC, our research centre for plastics innovation and curation, is officially up and running! This exciting initiative brings together the design history expertise of AUB’s Museum of Design in Plastics (MoDiP) and the cutting-edge capabilities of our Innovation Studio.

So, what are we all about?
At PlastIC, we’re exploring plastics in ways that matter—not just for today, but for generations to come. Our focus is on understanding how plastics behave, degrade, and endure, while also providing critical insights to the heritage and manufacturing sectors. From preserving artefacts to helping industries make smarter, more sustainable material choices, we’re tackling challenges that cross disciplines and borders.

What’s happening now?

• The team is here: With initial recruitment complete, we’ve brought in fantastic team members and experts, ready to innovate and collaborate.
• The lab is up and running: Our new materials lab is ready, equipped to test, identify, and explore plastics in all their complexity.
• The research has started: We’ve begun diving into key projects that will shape the future of plastics conservation and lifecycle design.
• The website is live: Explore our work, stay updated, and discover opportunities to collaborate with us.

Why the PlastIC Research Centre is special:
PlastIC is unique in uniting the cultural and scientific aspects of plastics. By combining MoDiP’s unparalleled design history expertise with the network and manufacturing knowledge from the Innovation Studio, we’re building something truly distinct. This is where material culture meets innovation, where the past informs the future, and where heritage and sustainability come together.

What’s next?
We’re looking forward to connecting with partners, collaborators, and those as passionate as we are about innovation and preservation. Whether you’re from the heritage sector, manufacturing, or academia, there’s a place for you in this journey.

Thank you to everyone who’s supported us so far. Here’s to the exciting work ahead—together, we’ll create a better understanding of plastics and their role in our world!