Jonathan Wagner

Dr Jonathan Wagner serves as Senior Lecturer and Programme Director for the Undergraduate Chemical Engineering Programme at Loughborough University, while also co-directing the Interdisciplinary Centre for Circular Chemical Economy (CircularChem).

His academic credentials include:

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies, University of Bath (2016)
• MRes in Sustainable Chemical Technologies (Distinction), Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies, University of Bath
• MEng in Chemical Engineering (1st Class Honours), Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Bath

Wagner's research spans sustainable chemical engineering with emphasis on algae-based bioenergy systems, carbon capture/utilisation, and circular economy frameworks. His work integrates hydrothermal liquefaction of microalgae with industrial decarbonisation strategies, particularly through algae-based carbon capture projects for UK industrial clusters. Current leadership includes a £483k IDRIC-Wave 2 project addressing cluster decarbonisation.

His recognition includes:

• 2022 Teaching Innovation Award for modernizing chemical engineering design pedagogy
• 2022 IChemE Global Team Award with Sellafield Ltd for nuclear chemical engineering skills development
• 2016 University Finalist for Ede & Ravenscroft Prize
• 2016 University Finalist for Three Minute Thesis competition
• 2014 Energy YES business competition victory

Wagner has secured over £6 million in research funding since 2012 as PI/Co-I from UKRI and Royal Society, including a £125k proof-of-concept study on algae-based biomethane purification. He co-founded Loughborough's Mini-CDT in low-dimensional catalysis and serves on the Biomass & Bioenergy editorial board while guest-editing RSC's 'Sustainable Composites' collection.