Explore.Inspire. Fascinate.Upcycle

The Luxembourg National Research Fund is proud to participate in the European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR). 

We Transformed Tarps from Science Image Competition into Unique Laptop Sleeves.

This project embodies both sustainability and local craftsmanship—promoting the circular economy and supporting local professions. By reimagining materials that might otherwise go to waste, we’re creating new value while fostering a spirit of innovation.

The FNR Science Image Competition provides a platform for researchers, science communicators, and collaborators across Luxembourg to showcase their scientific work through captivating visuals. Judged on criteria like beauty, inspiration, and storytelling, these images inspire public engagement with the wonders of science. Each submission reveals the fascinating intersection of science and art, sparking curiosity and a deeper understanding of scientific exploration.

As part of FNR’s campaign, winning images were printed on large tarps and exhibited across Luxembourg. With the tagline Explore.Inspire.Fascinate.Upcycle the FNR initiated a new project to give these tarps a new life—transformed into one-of-a-kind laptop sleeves.

Designed by local product designer Julie Conrad and handcrafted by the skilled team at DONO, a vocational integration workshop in Wiltz, this initiative not only celebrates creativity and sustainability but also promotes upcycling and the circular economy. Each laptop sleeve is unique, a tribute to local craftsmanship and the ongoing efforts to integrate sustainability into everyday products.

This collaboration with local professionals emphasizes the importance of supporting various crafts within Luxembourg, from design to vocational training. Upcycling these tarps, much like scientific discovery, reflects the idea of building on existing materials to create something new and meaningful. Just as researchers stand on the work of their predecessors, upcycling honours the past by giving it a fresh purpose. This shared commitment to innovation and sustainability showcases the link between science and design, both of which strive to creatively reshape what already exists.

Explore.Inspire.Fascinate.Upcycle action will be launched online via social media campaign