Ajit Panesar

Dr. Ajit Panesar is an Associate Professor (Reader) in Computational Design for Advanced Manufacturing at Imperial College London's Department of Aeronautics, leading the IDEA Lab. His work focuses on leveraging machine learning, optimization, and additive manufacturing (AM) to address challenges in aerospace, automotive, biomedical, and energy sectors. He has authored over 40 publications, including a book chapter in the ASM Handbook Vol 24B, with an h-index of 17. He holds a key role in the EPSRC-funded DfAM network as leader of the 'Computational Tools' research theme. His research includes collaborations with industry and academic partners, securing funding from both sectors. His group explores topics such as topology optimization for battery electrodes, ML-driven design frameworks, and multifunctional composites.

Research interests span computational design of metamaterials, ML integration in AM processes, structural power composites, and topology optimization for biomedical implants. His team has pioneered methods like physics-informed neural networks for thermal simulation in AM and latent-space arithmetic for transitioning lattice structures. Collaborations include TWI Ltd, Shell, and institutions like the University of Birmingham and Hamburg University of Applied Sciences. Dr. Panesar’s work emphasizes practical impact, with applications in sustainable energy storage, lightweight aerospace components, and additive manufacturing advancements.

Scientific contributions include advancements in structural supercapacitors, functionally graded materials (FGMs), and cold spray systems for in-space manufacturing. His group’s experimental and computational work bridges gaps between design and manufacturing, aiming to enhance material performance and reduce environmental impact. Recent efforts focus on multi-objective optimization frameworks and scaling structural power composites for real-world applications.

Advising and grants: Dr. Panesar has mentored numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers in projects ranging from battery electrode design to AM process optimization. His grants include EPSRC funding and industry partnerships. The IDEA Lab collaborates with Imperial’s Composite Centre and Space Engineering Lab, fostering interdisciplinary innovation.

Labs/Teams: The IDEA Lab is a hub for cutting-edge research in design and advanced manufacturing, emphasizing collaborations and industry-relevant outcomes. Current initiatives include structural power composites, topology-optimized biomedical implants, and ML-driven AM design tools.