Shaahin Saleh is a fibre scientist and polymer chemist with over 22 years of experience in advanced materials research. His work focuses on polymer-to-fibre transformation, using wet-spinning and solvent-based chemistry to convert natural polymers into high-value fibres for textile and material applications.

With a background in textile chemistry from Shahr-e-Ray University in Iran, Shaahin later completed a Master’s degree at Deakin University’s Institute for Frontier Materials in Australia and is currently undertaking a PhD through Lincoln University, New Zealand ,where his academic research is directly embedded in applied fibre innovation.

Shaahin’s work supports the development of new fibre pathways for New Zealand’s bio-based materials sector. At Lincoln Agritech, he plays a leading role across MBIE-funded keratin and cellulose programmes, as well as WRONZ commercialisation initiatives, contributing to technologies that strengthen the wool industry, unlock new cellulose fibre sources, and create novel, sustainable materials.

His fibre innovations have received international recognition, including the British Inventors Society Double Gold Innovation Award and the Best Ecological Invention Award, and he is the inventor on multiple patents relating to fibre spinning and polymer processing technologies.

Focus areas

• Polymer-to-fibre transformation using wet-spinning chemistry
• Fibre development from wool (keratin) and cellulose systems
• Polymer modification, processing, and scale-up
• Sustainable, high-value materials derived from natural resources