Bath Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change is proud to announce that Laksham Sanassee, a lecturer at the University of Mauritius and member of the Pole of Research on Natural Fibres and Bio-Composites (PRNFBC), has been selected as a Fellow in the prestigious King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme. The programme is hosted by the University of Bath in partnership with the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU).
Mr Sanassee’s research, under the theme “Sustainable Materials Engineering for a Greener Future,” aims to transform the design of prosthetic liners through the development of biocompatible composite materials made from renewable cellulose fibres and natural bio-ceramics.
His proposed PhD project will address the limitations of conventional prosthetic liners, which are currently made from fossil-based materials, by creating sustainable alternatives that offer improved mechanical performance, thermal comfort, and antimicrobial properties.
This innovation is particularly vital for tropical island environments like Mauritius, where high humidity exacerbates perspiration and microbial growth, leading to discomfort and increased risk of skin infections for prosthetic users.
Fellowship benefits
As part of the programme, Mr Sanassee will receive joint guidance from Bath academics and the University of Mauritius over six years, combining local priorities with international expertise. He will have access to professional development, including in science communication, policy engagement, and leadership, as well as grants to support fieldwork, equipment, or conference attendance.
Mr Sanassee also plans to lead seminars and outreach activities with industries and NGOs to bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring that the knowledge generated is translated into real-world impact.
Broader impact on Mauritius and the Global South
According to Mr Sanassee, his research under this Fellowship will have far-reaching benefits for Mauritius’s environment, economy, and society.
It will help reduce reliance on fossil-based imports by building local manufacturing capacity, creating skilled jobs, and supporting economic diversification in Mauritius, which is one of the Small Islands Developing States (SIDs).
It will also strengthen scientific expertise in bioresource characterisation, positioning Mauritius as a competitive player in the global bioeconomy and providing opportunities to foster South-South collaboration across Africa.
Research aligned with the Fellowship’s mission
Professor Matthew Jones, Head of the Chemistry Department and Mr Sanassee’s supervisor on this Fellowship at the University of Bath, said:
We are delighted to welcome Laksham to the King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme. His research into sustainable prosthetic materials is not only technically innovative but also deeply aligned with the Fellowship’s mission to support climate resilience and sustainable development in Small Island Developing States. Laksham brings a wealth of expertise and a clear vision for how bio-based technologies can transform lives and economies. We look forward to supporting his work and fostering meaningful collaboration between Bath and the University of Mauritius.
We are honoured to support Mr Sanassee in this transformative journey and look forward to the contributions he will make to sustainable innovation, both locally and globally.
Find out more about the King's Commonwealth Fellowship.
Meet the King’s Commonwealth Fellows and learn about their research: King's Commonwealth Fellowship Programme PhD Fellows | ACU | ACU.