Benjamin Tawiah

Faculty Biography

Dr. Benjamin Tawiah is a materials scientist and textile technologist whose work has earned him international acclaim, including recognition by Stanford University as one of the World’s Top 2% Scientists. His career is marked by a deep commitment to advancing sustainable materials, flame-retardant technologies, and functional textiles through rigorous research, academic mentorship, and global collaboration.Currently serving as a senior lecturer in the Department of Industrial Art (Textile Section) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi, Ghana, Dr. Tawiah plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of textile education and innovation in West Africa. His academic journey began at KNUST, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial Art (Textiles Option). He later pursued a Master of Textile Engineering at Jiangnan University in China, followed by a Ph.D. in Textile and Clothing Technology at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. His postdoctoral research at the same institution, and later at the City University of Hong Kong, further solidified his expertise in high-performance materials and interdisciplinary applications.Dr. Tawiah’s research spans a wide array of cutting-edge domains, including the synthesis and application of flame retardants, bio-inspired and biodegradable polymers, energy storage systems (ESS), UV/NIR protective textiles, and nanomaterials functionalization. His work is particularly focused on the development of eco-friendly flame-retardant composites and multifunctional textiles that address both performance and sustainability. These innovations have significant implications for industries ranging from fashion and construction to aerospace and defense.A prolific scholar, Dr. Tawiah has authored numerous high-impact publications in leading journals such as ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, Carbon, Journal of Hazardous Materials, Polymers, and ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering. His research on sustainable fashion transitions toward a net-zero future has been widely cited and serves as a foundational reference for policymakers and industry leaders seeking to integrate environmental responsibility into textile production and design.Beyond his research, Dr. Tawiah is an influential figure in academic publishing. He serves as an editor for the International Journal of Textile Science and Engineering, Fashion and Textile Review and as editor-in-chief for the Journal of Sustainable Transitions, where he oversees the dissemination of innovative research in textile technology and sustainable design. His editorial contributions ensure that emerging scholars and practitioners have access to rigorous, relevant, and forward-thinking scholarship.Dr. Tawiah is also a sought-after speaker at international conferences, where he presents on topics such as smart fiber technologies, flame-retardant innovations, and policy frameworks for sustainable fashion. His thought leadership extends to national development initiatives, where he provides expert consultation to the Ghanaian government’s TVET agenda, particularly in competency-based training and curriculum development for the textile and fashion sectors. He also contributes technical input to Ghana’s national textile and garment policy, helping to align local industry practices with global sustainability standards.In addition to his academic and policy work, Dr. Tawiah is a dedicated mentor to MPhil and PhD students, fostering a new generation of researchers equipped to tackle the complex challenges of textile science and sustainable innovation. His interdisciplinary approach, bridging chemistry, material science, and fashion technology, continues to inspire transformative research and practical solutions for a more sustainable future.His contributions not only advance the frontiers of textile science but also empower communities and industries to embrace sustainability, innovation, and resilience.