Gunnar Kusch is a Senior Research Associate at the Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy, University of Cambridge. His research focuses on defects in semiconductors, porous AlGaN materials, and advanced characterization techniques like cathodoluminescence (CL) and atom probe tomography (APT). He holds a PhD from the University of Strathclyde and leads projects on UV-B LED optimization, nanoscale defect behavior analysis, and semiconductor device design. His work bridges materials synthesis, characterization, and device performance, with applications in energy-efficient lighting and solar cell technology. Key research areas include: Defect engineering in III-nitride semiconductors Porous AlGaN templates for high-efficiency UV emitters Correlative microscopy techniques (CL, EBSD, APT) Composition-structure-property relationships in photovoltaic materials Notable contributions include developing CL-based methods for nanoscale defect analysis and demonstrating improved Cu(In,Ga)S₂ solar cell efficiencies through compositional engineering. His laboratory focuses on translating microscopic insights into macroscopic device improvements.
Niladri Banerjee is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physics at Imperial College London, serving as Research Representative of the Matter Community in Physics. His research focuses on atomic-precision growth of materials, advanced electronic and magnetic characterisation, and modelling to develop emergent quantum phases in low-dimensional systems including thin films and van der Waals materials. Education PhD, University of Cambridge Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Cambridge Junior Research Fellow, Wolfson College, Cambridge Research Interests His work spans critical areas in quantum technology development: Quantum Materials: Engineering emergent quantum phases through atomic-precision synthesis of low-dimensional materials. Spintronics: Investigating spin-orbit coupling effects and triplet supercurrents in superconducting hybrid structures. Superconductivity: Developing superconducting switches, diodes, and proximity-effect devices for quantum computing. Nanomaterials: Characterising thin films and van der Waals heterostructures for next-generation electronic applications. Recent Publications His 2021-2025 publications demonstrate sustained leadership in superconducting spintronics and topological quantum materials. Key contributions include realising de Gennes' superconducting switch, roadmap development for quantum technologies, and flux-pinning mediated superconducting diodes. His work consistently bridges experimental synthesis with theoretical modelling to address challenges in quantum computing and neuromorphic technologies. Scientific Awards No scientific awards were mentioned in the provided materials. Advising and Grants Details regarding student advising and research grants were not specified in the available information. Labs and Teams As an active member of Imperial's Matter Community in Physics, Dr. Banerjee collaborates on advanced characterisation techniques and quantum device engineering, focusing on spin-orbit coupled materials and topological phenomena for quantum technology applications.
Caterina Ducati is a Professor of Nanomaterials at the Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy, University of Cambridge. Her research focuses on nanomaterials, their structure-property relationships, and applications in energy technologies, particularly photovoltaics, photocatalysis, and optoelectronics. Research Interests: In situ electron microscopy of nanomaterials under external stimuli (electrical, thermal, photonic), growth mechanisms of nanostructures (carbon nanotubes, semiconductor nanowires), and degradation processes in energy devices. Methodologies: Advanced characterization via HAADF STEM, TEM, and development of tools for real-time nanoscale observation. Recent publications highlight her work on perovskite solar cells, battery materials (Li, Zn, Na-ion), and ferroelectric thin films. She actively investigates degradation mechanisms in energy devices and develops novel fabrication techniques for nanocomposites. Scientific Recognition: A&B Post-doctoral Fellowship winners (institutional award) She supervises research groups utilizing the Wolfson Electron Microscopy Suite and contributes to interdisciplinary collaborations in materials for sustainability and healthcare applications.
Cheuk Wai Tai is a Senior Staff Researcher at Stockholm University's Department of Environmental and Materials Chemistry since 2009. He manages the transmission electron microscopes and sample preparation equipment at the Electron Microscopy Center and serves as Section Editor for the Journal of Electronic Materials. His work focuses on quantitative structure characterization in functional materials research, particularly within nanoscience and nanotechnology contexts. Education: Ph.D. in Applied Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 2004 M.Phil. in Applied Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 2001 M.Sc. in Physics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1998 B.Sc. (Hons) in Engineering Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 1997 Dip. in Mechanical Engineering (Computer Aided Engineering), Institute of Vocational Education (formerly Haking Wong Technical Institute), Hong Kong, 1992 His research centers on structure-property relationships in functional materials through advanced electron microscopy techniques. Current specializations include Pair Distribution Function (ePDF) & Diffuse Scattering, Energy Materials characterization, and EM sample preparation methodology development. The group maintains strong focus on translating structural data into functional performance metrics for nanomaterials. Recent publications (2013-2019) demonstrate consistent emphasis on electron microscopy applications for energy storage materials (batteries, photocatalysts) and functional ceramics. Key trends include structural disorder analysis in piezoelectrics, development of quantitative TEM methods like SUePDF, and nanoscale characterization of electrocatalyst surface phases. His work bridges materials chemistry with advanced imaging techniques. Scientific recognition includes: Fellow of The Royal Microscopical Society (U.K.) Senior Member of IEEE Marie Curie Fellowship (2007-2009) from European Commission Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowship (2003/2004) from Hong Kong S.A.R. Government He teaches Solid State Chemistry (KZ7003) and leads Introduction to Analytical Electron Microscopy (KZ8009), having previously taught Advanced Transmission Electron Microscopy (KZ8010) before 2011. Major grants supporting his work include: "Quantitative structural characterisation using 3D electron-based pair distribution function" (Swedish Research Council) "A Multidimensional Toolkit for Modern Electron Microscopy" (Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research) "Mitigating Ni-rich Li-ion cathode side-reactions" (Swedish Energy Agency, Co-applicant) He leads the Cheuk-Wai Tai group within Stockholm University's chemistry department and oversees operations at the Electron Microscopy Center, where his team develops and applies advanced characterization techniques for functional materials research.
Dr. Sumsun Naher is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Engineering at City, University of London , where she has worked since 2013. Previously, she served as Lecturer and Research Development Officer at Dublin City University (2006–2013) and as Scientific Officer at Bangladesh Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (1998–2000). Her academic career includes a Post Graduate Diploma in Academic Practice from City, University of London. PhD , School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University MSc , Materials & Metallurgical Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology BSc , Materials & Metallurgical Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology Her research focuses on semi-solid processing , laser processing , simulation & modelling of materials technologies , and materials characterisation . Recent work explores cellulose nanofiber-based water filters for antibiotic removal and phase change materials in geothermal energy systems. Key article trends reveal expertise in: Laser Surface Modification of metals and composites Advanced Casting Methodologies and semi-solid metal forming Nanoparticle Reinforcement in metal matrix composites Thermal Modelling for energy systems Sustainable Material Solutions in water treatment and energy Computational Materials Science via finite element analysis Naher has received the DCU Invent Commercialisation Award (2011) and holds fellowships from IMechE , Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining , and Advance Higher Education Authority . She actively reviews for funding bodies and examines PhD theses internationally. As an organiser of the ESAFORM Conference and co-organiser of its Additive Manufacturing symposium since 2017, she contributes to academic leadership. Her professional roles include Board of Directors for the European Association of Materials Forming and participation in EU COST Action projects (Thixoforming, Thixosteel, Nanostructured Materials).
Martin Saunders is an Associate Professor and leader of the Physical Science Electron Microscopy Platform at the University of Western Australia's Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation & Analysis (CMCA). He holds leadership roles in national microscopy consortia, including Microscopy Australia and the National Imaging Facility. His academic career spans over 20 years, with roles as Deputy Director and Acting Director of CMCA, and President of the Australian Microscopy and Microanalysis Society (AMMS). Saunders earned a PhD in Physics from the University of Bath (UK) and postdoctoral experience at institutions including the University of Bristol and the US Naval Postgraduate School. His research focuses on advanced electron microscopy techniques, including TEM, STEM, EELS, and tomography, applied across physical, biological, and geo sciences. Education: PhD in Physics (University of Bath, 1994), BSc in Applied Physics (University of Bath, 1990). Research interests include structural and chemical analysis of nanomaterials, biominerals, and geological samples. He collaborates globally, contributing to high-impact journals like Nature and Advanced Materials . Saunders has secured over $25M in grants from ARC, NHMRC, and NCRIS, funding cutting-edge microscopy infrastructure. Awards: Inaugural AMMS Fellow (2025), Life Membership (AMMS), Fellow of the UK Institute of Physics (2012). Teaching: Coordinates materials characterization courses for biomedical engineering and nanotechnology programs. Provides training in electron microscopy for researchers and postgraduates. Labs/Infrastructure: Manages state-of-the-art facilities including FEI Titan G2 80-200 TEM/STEM and DualBeam FIB-SEM systems at CMCA.
Dr Yulai Zhang is a researcher in the Department of Materials Physics at the Australian National University . His work focuses on advanced imaging techniques for material and geological analysis. Expertise: X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT), pore-scale and multiscale modeling, coal seam and ore characterization Collaborations: International partnerships in coal bed methane, mineral liberation, and rock failure analysis His research applies 4D/X-ray tomography to study dynamic processes in copper ores, shale, and coal, including fragmentation, diffusion, and fracture networks. Recent publications highlight innovations in super-resolution imaging , feature extraction methods , and in-situ studies of mineral behavior under stress. Dr Zhang actively supervises students and contributes to ore beneficiation, CO2 geo-sequestration, and unconventional reservoir characterization. Collaborative projects involve institutions in Australia and Indonesia, with a focus on digital rock physics and microstructural evolution .
Dr. Hyungwoong Ahn is a Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at the University of Edinburgh and an Adjunct Professor at Yonsei University. His expertise lies in adsorption process engineering, particularly for CO2 capture and gas separation. He leads the Carbon Capture Group and coordinates exchange programs for chemical engineering students. Dr. Ahn holds a BSc, MSc, and PhD in Chemical Engineering from Yonsei University. Roles: Senior Lecturer (Edinburgh) & Adjunct Professor (Yonsei) Research Focus: Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA), CO2 capture technologies, hydrogen purification, and industrial decarbonisation Key Projects: PSA-SPUR technology development, ship-based carbon capture, and collaboration with HD Korea Shipbuilding Awards: KOFST Brain Pool Fellow, IChemE Global Awards finalist, and Honeywell UniSim Design Challenge winner His research integrates equilibrium theory analysis, numerical simulation, and experimental validation to advance carbon capture systems. He has authored over 50 publications (H-index 32) and secured funding from EPSRC, BEIS, KETEP, and others.
Ed Pickering is a Senior Lecturer in Metallurgy and Materials Engineering at the University of Manchester. He has held roles since 2015, advancing to Reader in 2023. His affiliations include the Henry Royce Institute (Research Area Lead for Advanced Metals Processing), the Advanced Metallics System CDT and Fusion CDT Management Boards, and industrial technical advisory panels. Ed’s work bridges academic and industrial collaboration with Rolls-Royce, UKAEA, Airbus, EDF, and Sheffield Forgemasters. Ed completed his undergraduate studies (2011) and PhD (2014) in Materials Science at the University of Cambridge, followed by a Research Associate role in Cambridge’s Rolls-Royce UTC. His academic trajectory includes: Senior Lecturer (2019–present) Reader (2023–present) Ed’s research focuses on phase transformations, microstructural characterization, and alloy development for nuclear (fission/fusion) and aerospace applications. Key themes include optimizing processing routes to enhance material properties while minimizing waste and environmental impact. His studies frequently address steel, high-entropy alloys, and novel refractory alloys, emphasizing their service performance under extreme conditions. His scientific contributions span structural integrity assessment of welded joints, machine learning applications in metallurgy, and material flow uncertainties in forging. He has also advanced heat treatment optimization for reactor steels and explored cobalt-free hardfacing alloys. Frank Fitzgerald Medal (2017) Grunfeld Memorial Medal (2021) In advising and grants, Ed leads the Materials Performance Centre (MPC) and co-leads the NEWAM project on wire-additive manufacturing. He supervises research across these initiatives and collaborates with over 30 PGR students in interdisciplinary teams. His work also involves managing technical facilities like the Advanced Metal Processing platform. Ed’s laboratory affiliations include the MPC and WAAM-based Engineering and Process Metallurgy groups, where he explores sustainable materials solutions for energy and aerospace industries.
Saltanat Toleukhanova is a Researcher and Doctoral Assistant at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) , based in the Lab for in situ Nanomaterials Characterisation with Electrons (INE) within the School of Engineering . She is affiliated with the Institute of Materials (IMX) and the Department of Materials . Her doctoral program is in Materials Science and Engineering . She holds offices at MXG 134 and MXD 220 at EPFL's Station 12 campus in Lausanne. Research Interests : Her work focuses on advanced materials characterization techniques, particularly using graphene-based platforms for studying nanocatalysts in electrochemical systems. Key areas include CO2 electroreduction, liquid-phase electron microscopy, and in situ analysis of catalytic materials. She develops innovative electrode designs and microfluidic systems to observe material behavior under realistic operating conditions. Grants & Advising : No specific grants or advising roles are detailed in the provided information. She is part of the INE lab team, contributing to projects involving nanomaterials and energy conversion technologies. Labs/Teams : Active in the INE lab , collaborating on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of nanotechnology and electrochemistry.
Dr. Xinjun Tang is a Research Fellow at the Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), conducting cutting-edge research in photochemical organic synthesis under the PROBIST Postdoctoral Fellowship program. His educational background includes: Ph.D. from Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry Tang specializes in developing light-driven catalytic methodologies for complex molecular transformations, with emphasis on asymmetric synthesis and biomolecule modification. His work bridges sustainable catalysis and molecular medicine by creating energy-efficient reaction pathways that avoid traditional high-energy reagents. His publication trajectory reveals a focused evolution toward photoredox applications in peptide engineering and transition-metal catalysis, demonstrating consistent innovation in overcoming chemoselectivity challenges through tailored photochemical protocols. His scientific recognition includes: PROBIST Postdoctoral Fellowship Funded by the competitive PROBIST program (Marie Sklodowska Curie COFUND), Tang operates within Prof. Paolo Melchiorre's research ecosystem at ICIQ, contributing to the institute's Sustainable Catalysis pillar through collaborative projects and methodological advancements. He actively participates in ICIQ's Photophysics Spectroscopy and Material Characterisation core facility, leveraging advanced instrumentation for mechanistic studies of photoinduced electron transfer processes in organic transformations.
Professor Ronny Pini is a Professor of Multiphase Systems at Imperial College London's Department of Chemical Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering. His research focuses on sustainable industrial processes, particularly carbon capture and storage (CCS), porous media dynamics, and imaging-based process design. He holds a PhD in Mechanical and Process Engineering from ETH Zurich and has held academic positions including Senior Lecturer and Reader at Imperial College since 2015. His educational background includes a Postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University (2010-2013) and prior roles at the Colorado School of Mines. Research interests span multiphase flow mechanics, adsorption science, and environmental engineering applications. Key projects include the InFUSE Prosperity Partnership and Digital Rocks Lab, leveraging X-ray tomography, positron emission tomography, and computational models to study subsurface CO2 storage and sustainable materials. Professor Pini's work integrates chemical engineering with material science and earth sciences, addressing global challenges like industrial decarbonisation. He collaborates on developing advanced imaging techniques to characterise porous media behavior and optimise processes for energy transition. Current focus areas include direct air capture technologies and enhancing oil recovery via CO2 utilisation. His research outputs include over 150 peer-reviewed articles, with recent emphasis on adsorption-based CO2 capture systems, pore-scale transport phenomena, and sustainable process design frameworks. He is actively involved in training early-career researchers through Imperial College's Chemical Engineering programs and international collaborations.
Rachel Oliver is a Professor of Materials Science at the University of Cambridge and Director of the Cambridge Centre for Gallium Nitride. Her research focuses on characterisation techniques for gallium nitride materials used in LEDs and laser diodes, with an emphasis on nanostructure engineering and quantum technology. Awarded OBE (2025), Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (FREng) (2021), and Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (FIMMM) (2019) Developed atom-probe tomography and scanning capacitance microscopy to study nitride devices Her work on quantum dots and single-photon emitters has advanced quantum crystallography and optoelectronics. Recent publications highlight trends in nitride semiconductors , solar cell efficiency , and quantum device fabrication . Scientific Awards Royal Society University Research Fellowship (2006-2011) Chair in Emerging Technologies (2023) Grants EPSRC grant for semi-polar nitride structures Oliver's lab at the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy explores nanoscale nitride structures for future devices, while advocating for gender equality in STEM.
Professor Michael Preuss is a leading academic in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at Monash University, Faculty of Engineering, where he joined in August 2020. He also holds a 20% continuing position at the University of Manchester, UK, where he previously served in multiple leadership roles. His research focuses on the relationship between manufacturing, processing, and performance of structural materials, particularly titanium and zirconium alloys, nickel-base superalloys, and steels for high-temperature and nuclear applications. First Degree: Technical University Berlin, Germany PhD: Technical University Hamburg-Harburg, Germany Michael Preuss’s research interests lie at the intersection of materials processing and performance prediction. He investigates how microstructural evolution during manufacturing affects mechanical behavior, with a focus on reducing safety margins in safety-critical components such as aeroengine parts and nuclear fuel claddings. His work emphasizes in-situ characterisation using advanced tools like synchrotron X-ray , neutron diffraction , digital image correlation , and 3D X-ray tomography . The research is highly interdisciplinary, combining experimental data with modelling to understand degradation mechanisms under stress, temperature, and irradiation. The recent publications highlight a strong focus on irradiation damage in zirconium alloys , plasticity in Ni-base superalloys , and advanced alloy development . These works employ cutting-edge diffraction and imaging techniques to probe dislocation structures, phase evolution, and mechanical onset at micro scales, reflecting a trend toward physically based lifetime prediction models. His work is closely tied to large-scale facilities and national initiatives like the European Spallation Source and the Sir Henry Royce Institute. Scientific awards include: Grunfeld Memorial Medal (IOM3, 2013) ASTM Kroll Medal (lifetime achievement in zirconium research) EPSRC Leadership Fellowship (2011) Fellow of Materials, Minerals and Mining (2016) MWA Research Activation Fund (2024) Michael Preuss actively supervises PhD students and leads major research projects, including those funded by EPSRC and focused on fuel cladding (MIDAS) and advanced manufacturing. He collaborates extensively with researchers across institutions and industries. He chairs the Scientific Advisory Committee of the European Spallation Source and serves on panels for neutron facilities like ILL and ISIS. His labs and research teams are equipped for solid-state additive manufacturing, in-operando micromechanical testing, and advanced microstructural analysis, forming a robust ecosystem for materials innovation.
Tatyana Konkova is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Design, Manufacturing and Engineering Management at the University of Strathclyde, Faculty of Engineering, Glasgow, UK. She is actively engaged in research, teaching, and professional leadership in the field of Materials Science and Engineering, with a focus on metallurgy and advanced manufacturing techniques. Education: Doctor of Science, Mechanisms of cryogenic plastic deformation and features of microstructure formation in technically pure copper, Institute for Metals Superplasticity Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences (awarded 2011) Master of Business Administration (MBA), Strathclyde Business School (awarded 2023) PG Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, University of Strathclyde (awarded 2021) MSc (Hons) in Materials Science and Engineering, Ufa State Aviation Technical University (awarded 2005) BSc in Engineering, Ufa State Aviation Technical University (awarded 2004) Research Interests: Her research spans Severe Plastic Deformation (SPD), cryogenic deformation, additive manufacturing, microstructure evolution, and advanced characterization using EBSD, TEM, and SEM. She focuses on materials such as titanium alloys, copper, and nickel-based superalloys, aiming to bridge fundamental science with industrial applications. Her work emphasizes grain boundary engineering, abnormal grain growth, and deformation-induced boundaries. Publication Trends: Recent publications highlight her growing interdisciplinary work combining additive manufacturing with electric machine design, as well as continued deep microstructural investigations in aerospace and microelectronic materials. Her research integrates data-driven optimization and advanced characterization to improve material performance and manufacturing efficiency. Scientific Awards and Honors: Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (FIMMM) Chartered Engineer (CEng) by the Engineering Council Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (MIMechE) Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) PG Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education Advising and Grants: She has supervised undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD students and serves as Principal Investigator on multiple research projects, including EPSRC-funded CDT in AI-enabled Digital High-Value Manufacturing and AFRC projects on titanium alloy forgeability. She has secured funding from national and international sources, including the Russian Foundation for Fundamental Research. Her leadership in industrial collaboration and knowledge exchange is evident through her roles in Catapult projects and industrial group supervision. Labs and Teams: She has led the Materials Characterisation Theme at AFRC and represented the center in Cross-Catapult forums on additive manufacturing. She is part of the Horizon Europe Working Group with the University of Waterloo and actively collaborates with national and international research teams.
