Dr Doliente's research spans biofuels production, ionic liquid applications, valorisation technologies, systems-thinking, and sector-driven economic growth. He investigates how large-scale deployment of low-carbon and circular technologies can be designed to deliver real-world benefits while avoiding unintended consequences. His work focuses on bridging technical innovation within economic, societal, and environmental contexts.

Dr Doliente joins the Institute as its Research Fellow in Sustainable Systems from his previous postdoctoral roles, including work at Imperial College London’s Centre for Sectoral Economic Performance (CSEP). He is also jointly affiliated with the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Bath.

In the following Q&A, Dr Doliente shares insights into his academic journey, current research, and vision for his role at ISCC.

Why did you study chemical and energy engineering at the University of the Philippines Diliman?

It was a combination of factors. I received a government scholarship to attend the Philippines Science High School, which had a strong science and math curriculum and encouraged students to pursue STEM degrees. I initially chose chemistry because I enjoyed it in high school but switched to chemical engineering because I naively thought it sounded cooler!

During university, I discovered that chemical engineering was much more than balancing equations and involved solving complex problems in maths, physics, and engineering. I grew to love it, especially through a final-year research project on biofuels from lignocellulosic waste. That project aimed to secure energy supply and reduce transport emissions in the Philippines, and it inspired me to pursue a master’s in energy engineering.

It was during my master’s that I began asking, 'How can we ensure that large-scale deployment of low-carbon & circular technologies leads to real improvements and avoids unintended consequences?' That question led me to a PhD and subsequently three postdocs dedicated to systems thinking approaches. This included value chain optimisation, the environment-food-energy-water nexus, life cycle assessment, material flow analysis, and productivity analysis, with the aim of developing efficient and sustainable industries.

What are some of research projects you are currently working on?

I’m now in my third month as an ISCC Research Fellow, and I’m wrapping up two publications from my previous postdocs. One of them is a global petrochemicals carbon calculator, which helps explore pathways to net-zero chemicals.

Building on that, I’m developing a project to explore the UK’s biomass resources and determine optimal pathways for transforming its chemicals industry.

I’m also involved in proposals on recycling and upcycling plastic waste, and I plan to work on designing recycling ecosystems for critical minerals and enabling green economic growth through circular chemistry.

What do you see as the most promising area for impactful change in sustainability today and why?

The rapid adoption of renewable energy, especially solar and wind, is really promising. It’s now cheaper to produce electricity from these sources than from coal, even existing coal plants. This shift signals a transition to a low-carbon energy landscape, which is essential for climate mitigation.

We can build on this momentum to tackle harder challenges, like decarbonising difficult sectors, enabling carbon dioxide removal, and reducing consumer demand.

What are your goals for your role at the Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change?

I have three main goals:

• Establish my independent research programme under the sustainable systems theme. I want to design chemicals and critical mineral systems that support the energy transition while remaining compatible with economic, societal, and environmental needs.

• Foster a strong research culture through seminars and workshops that build interdisciplinary teams and lead to co-created outputs , including papers, proposals, and more.

• Raise the profile of ISCC nationally and internationally. I’m currently Co-Lead for the Industry Specific Sector Special Interest Group of the UK Innovate’s LCARSIN, and Co-Chair for the next Industry Ecology Gordon Research Seminar: “Moving Beyond Models to Drive a Sustainable Century” in Maine, USA, in June 2026.

These goals support my aspiration to secure a permanent academic role in sustainable systems or a closely related field.

Do you see any opportunities for collaboration across the ISCC’s three themes?

Absolutely. Many grand challenges require collaboration across these themes, and ISCC is the perfect incubator for that.

Take plastic waste, for example. Under Sustainable Chemical Technologies, we can develop innovative recycling methods. Sustainable Systems can guide these technologies using systems-thinking assessments. Meanwhile, Social Transformations can explore consumer behaviour, policy environments, and adoption barriers.

As the Sustainable Systems expert, I see my role as a bridge between technology developers and broader societal, economic and political contexts.

Can you give an example of where you are engaging with policymakers and industry?

I’m currently Co-Lead for the Industry Specific Sector Special Interest Group of the UK’s LCARSIN, which brings together LCA practitioners and stakeholders from academia, industry, and government. It’s a great platform to discuss methodological issues and policy for decarbonising chemicals, energy, and transport.

Another example is my work on the Fine Chemicals Innovation Analysis project at Imperial’s CSEP. Although I’ve moved on from that role, I’m still contributing to the final report publication, which is slated for launching in the last quarter of 2025. We hope to engage stakeholders and highlight the importance of a resilient, sustainable fine chemicals industry for UK economic growth.

Sustainability research often focuses on challenges. Where do you find reasons for optimism?

I find optimism in opportunities, collaborations, and learnings. This Fellowship gives me the chance to grow as an independent researcher and contribute meaningfully to sustainability.

Collaborations show that diverse communities can come together to solve complex problems. And by learning from both successes and failures, we can drive the paradigm shifts needed for real change.

I am truly grateful for this role as a Fellow in Sustainable Systems at ISCC, and I am excited for the journey to come through the opportunities, collaborations, and learnings along the way. It is great to be at #Bath!