Xiaoyu Yan

Xiaoyu Yan is a Professor in Sustainable Energy Systems at the University of Exeter, affiliated with the Engineering Department within the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy. He is a key member of the Renewable Energy Group and the interdisciplinary Environment and Sustainability Institute. Previously, he held research positions at the University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, and University of London, and holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering.

His research spans a broad range of sustainability-focused domains, including:

• Sustainable and renewable energy systems
• Life-cycle analysis and environmental impact assessment
• Circular economy, particularly for technology metals
• Water-Energy-Food-Environment nexus modeling
• Net zero transitions in transport, infrastructure, and industrial systems
• Critical minerals and raw materials sustainability
• Space sustainability and low-impact mining technologies
• Climate resilience and carbon removal (e.g., SeaCURE project)

Xiaoyu has been actively involved in over 20 major research projects from 2014 to 2030, funded by UKRI, Innovate UK, EU Horizon 2020, and other international bodies. These projects reflect a strong trend toward interdisciplinary, systems-based approaches to sustainability, integrating engineering, environmental science, economics, and policy. His work frequently involves software tool development (e.g., MineMT) and real-world business applications through spin-outs.

Notable affiliations and entrepreneurial activities include:

• Co-Founder and Scientific Advisor, Minviro Ltd (critical minerals sustainability consultancy)
• Co-Founder and Chief Scientist, Near Zero by Design (space sustainability start-up)
• Scientific advisor to businesses in energy, transport, water, food, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors

He is actively recruiting PhD students, particularly from China via the China Scholarship Council and University of Exeter joint scholarship program, and welcomes applications from international candidates. He has served as Principal Investigator (PI) and Work Package (WP) leader on multiple projects, demonstrating leadership in research design and execution.