Professor Wolfgang Wüster is a Professor in Zoology (Molecular Ecology) at Bangor University's School of Environmental and Natural Sciences. His research focuses on evolutionary biology, snake systematics, and venom toxicology, using snakes as model systems. He teaches courses in zoology and herpetology, including Arizona fieldwork and advanced herpetology modules. Education: PhD in Systematics of Asian cobras from the University of Aberdeen (1990). His research interests include the evolution of venom composition, species delimitation in snake complexes, warning signals, biogeography, and conservation genomics. He supervises postgraduate students in topics like European viper conservation and snake systematics. Recent publications highlight his work on snake venoms, taxonomy, and the impacts of climate change on reptile species. He collaborates globally, contributing to antivenom efficacy studies and venom evolution research. Professor Wüster has been involved in projects such as genomic studies of adders and the phylogeography of vipers. His work bridges molecular ecology with conservation, emphasizing practical applications in biodiversity preservation.
Professor Fay Couceiro is a Professor of Environmental Pollution in the School of Civil Engineering and Surveying at the University of Portsmouth. She leads the Microplastics Research Group and the 'Evaluating change across the plastics lifecycle' theme for the Revolution Plastics Institute, focusing on pollution sources, interventions, and collaborations with industry. She holds editorial roles at Cambridge Prisms: Plastics and peer reviews for multiple journals and funding bodies. Education: BSc in Marine Biology (Queen's University Belfast), PhD in Biogeochemistry (funded project on Strangford Lough), postdoctoral research at the University of Plymouth. Research Interests: Contaminants' fate, microplastics' environmental and health impacts, nutrient dynamics, heavy metals, and organic pollutants like PAHs. Her work integrates pure science with civil engineering solutions. Publications span 2007–2025, emphasizing microplastic toxicity, soil-oil interactions, and pollution mitigation strategies. Over 27 peer-reviewed articles highlight her contributions to environmental science. Advising & Grants: Supervises MSc/PhD students and collaborates with companies like Southern Water. Active in STEM outreach and UK research policy, including the EU's HR Excellence in Research accreditation process. Labs/Teams: Microplastics Research Group, Revolution Plastics Institute, and interdisciplinary teams in environmental technology and resilience.
Dr. Ian Kane is a Reader in Earth and Environmental Sciences at The University of Manchester, leading the 'Plastics in the Natural Environment' theme within the Manchester Environmental Research Group. His expertise spans sediment transport dynamics, deep-marine processes, and microplastic pollution. He holds editorial roles for journals like Sedimentologika and previously served as Editor-in-Chief of Sedimentology (2018–2022). Education: PhD in Geology from the University of Leeds (2007), focusing on submarine channel-levee systems and turbidity currents through fieldwork in Baja California, Mexico, and flume-tank modeling. Research Interests: Transport and burial of microplastics in deep-sea environments via turbidity currents Deep-marine sedimentological processes, including submarine canyons and slope systems Stratigraphic records of sediment gravity flows and anthropogenic impacts Recent articles highlight breakthroughs in understanding microplastic distribution via deep-sea currents and their ecological effects on marine organisms such as sea turtles. His work bridges geology, environmental science, and applied research on pollution mitigation. Scientific Awards: Fearnsides Prize (2008) Roland Goldring Award (2012) Advising and Grants: Supervised over 20 PhD students, with active projects on PFAS transport, microplastic stratigraphy, and deep-marine sedimentology. His research group (SedResQ) explores terrestrial-to-deep-marine sediment transfer. Labs/Teams: Leads SedResQ and collaborates globally on projects like the NEPTUNE Canada observatory, focusing on deep-sea environmental dynamics and anthropogenic impact assessment.
Professor Judy Lee is a Professor in Chemical and Process Engineering at the University of Surrey, affiliated with the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. She holds a B.Eng. (Chemical Engineering, Hons), B.Sc. (Physics), PG.Dip.Ed. (Secondary), and a Ph.D. Her research focuses on advanced oxidation processes, sonochemistry, membrane technology, and environmental remediation. She collaborates with industry on projects like wastewater treatment and microplastic mitigation. Current research includes osmotically driven membrane processes for dairy waste and ultrasound-enhanced contaminant removal. She supervises PhD students Dom Falconer and Ben Parrish. She is a member of the European Society of Sonochemistry, British Association for Crystal Growth, and European Membrane Society. Education: B.Eng. (Chemical Engineering, Hons), B.Sc. (Physics), PG.Dip.Ed. (Secondary), Ph.D. Research Interests: Sonochemical degradation of pollutants, membrane fouling mitigation, pharmaceutical removal from water, and crystal growth under sonication. Her work integrates sonochemistry with environmental engineering to address industrial and environmental challenges, such as PFAS remediation and microplastic filtration. Grants and Collaboration: Projects include industry-funded research on dairy waste concentration and wastewater treatment. She leads collaborations on membrane technology and ultrasound applications. Labs/Teams: Active in Surrey’s Chemical Engineering labs, focusing on advanced oxidation and membrane systems.
Dr. Leon Barron is a Reader in Analytical & Environmental Sciences at the School of Public Health, Imperial College London. His expertise spans chemical contaminant analysis, wastewater epidemiology, and environmental forensics. He leads the Emerging Chemical Contaminants team within the Environmental Research Group, focusing on pharmaceuticals, PFAS, and illicit drugs. Education: BSc(Hons) in Analytical Science (2001), PhD in Analytical Chemistry (2005), and a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (2011). Previously held roles at King's College London as Lecturer (2009–2015) and Senior Lecturer (2015–2020). Research interests include trace environmental analysis (LC, GC, MS), chemical risk assessment, and wastewater-based epidemiology. Key projects include global drug use monitoring via sewage analysis and PFAS removal from drinking water. His work has produced over 100 peer-reviewed articles, with recent focus on PFAS accumulation, biochar filtration, and urban pollution source apportionment. Awards include Fellowships from Royal Society of Chemistry and Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences. Supervises PhD students on topics like pesticide exposure, opioid monitoring, and machine learning in ecotoxicology. Collaborates internationally via initiatives like the Sewage Analysis CORE Group and NIHR HPRU in Environmental Exposures.
Professor Lorraine Maltby , OBE, is a distinguished academic at the University of Sheffield , specifically within the School of Biosciences and the Department of Animal and Plant Sciences . She currently serves as the Deputy Vice-President for Research at the university (2017–2022). With a career spanning over three decades at the University of Sheffield, she has held various significant roles including Head of the Department of Animal and Plant Sciences (2008-2012) and progression from Lecturer to Professor of Environmental Biology (2004). PhD – University of Glasgow (1984) BSc – University of Newcastle (1981) Research Interests: Professor Maltby is a leading expert in freshwater ecology and ecotoxicology , focusing on the impacts of anthropogenic activities on freshwater ecosystems. Her research examines how pollution and climate change affect these delicate environments and the ecosystem services they provide. She aims to develop a mechanistic understanding of key ecosystem services and the ecological processes that underpin them, particularly how they are affected by human inputs and activities. Her recent publications reflect her research focus on topics such as spatial variation in macroinvertebrate sensitivity to chemicals, linking ecotoxicity to ecosystem service damage , and heterogeneity in biological assemblages for chemical risk assessment. Scientific Awards and Recognition: Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to Environmental Biology and Animal and Plant Sciences (2020) Elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (2021) Elected Fellow of the Freshwater Biological Association (2019) Portrait of a Woman Exhibition (2017) Elected Fellow of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (2016) Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Environmental Education Award (2009) Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Exceptional Service Award (2005) Professional Activities: Professor Maltby has significant leadership and service roles in her field, including: Chair of UK-SCAPE Programme Advisory Board Chair of Irish Research Council COALESCE International Review Panel Member of NERC peer review panels Member of European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals Scientific Committee (2010-) Member of European Food Safety Authority Stakeholder Bureau (2023-) Member of SETAC Panel on Chemicals Management (2023 - )
Dr. Zaheer Nasar is a Reader in Atmospheric Aerosols at Cranfield University's School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing. His work focuses on real-time bioaerosol characterization, indoor/outdoor air quality dynamics, and environmental health impacts of particulate matter. He leads the NERC-funded Light-Induced Fluorescence sensor project and contributes to the BioAirNet network (NE/V002171/1) as Co-I. Research Interests Physico-chemical and biological characterization of aerosols Spatio-temporal dynamics of particulate matter (PM) and bioaerosols Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) methodologies Low-cost air quality sensor networks and machine learning calibration Urban green infrastructure effects on air pollution Policy development in Hindu Kush Himalayan air quality Recent publications emphasize machine learning-enhanced sensor calibration (2024 IEEE paper), wastewater plant bioaerosol risks (2024 Water Research), and urban air quality interventions across the UK and Lahore. He has secured over £1.6M in grants from NERC, STFC, and UKRI GCRF, with significant work on BTEX exposure in Nigeria and SARS-CoV-2 risks in wastewater facilities. Scientific Recognition Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Co-investigator in multiple NERC/UKRI projects Active participant in BSI bioaerosol standards committee As an advisor, he mentors five postgraduate researchers including Reece Dillon and Hathaikarn Tathong, with a strong publication record in journals like Environmental Science: Atmospheres , Risk Analysis , and BJPsych Open . His work bridges environmental science, public health, and policy implementation through interdisciplinary research.
Robert Fletcher is a Researcher at the University of Cambridge, affiliated with the Department of Zoology and the C-CLEAR Doctoral Training Partnership . His work focuses on applied ecology and conservation science, utilizing landscape and population ecology to address biodiversity challenges globally. Research Areas : Conservation biology, population ecology, landscape ecology, environmental informatics Collaborations : Partners in North America, Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia Key Themes : Species extinction prevention, landscape conservation prioritization, and rapid biodiversity data delivery Email : rf497@cam.ac.uk Fletcher's interdisciplinary approach integrates fieldwork (e.g., Everglades endangered species, African elephants) with advanced modeling of habitat loss, fragmentation, invasive species, and climate change impacts. His recent work emphasizes: Drivers of species decline and recovery strategies Landscape management and restoration techniques Interdisciplinary collaborations with engineers, social scientists, and computer scientists His publications span topics like savanna ecosystem dynamics, community science applications, and conservation forecasting, reflecting a commitment to actionable science for global biodiversity preservation.
Aleksandra Cavoski is a Professor of Law at the Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham, and serves as Director of Global Engagement for the College of Arts and Law. She is also affiliated with the Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action and the Centre for Environmental Research and Justice, reflecting her strong commitment to interdisciplinary and sustainability-focused legal scholarship. Her research lies at the intersection of environmental law, EU law, and public international law, with a particular focus on the connections between law and science, policy, and language. She explores how legal frameworks are shaped by social, political, and scientific contexts, especially in areas such as environmental governance, climate action, and regulatory innovation. Environmental Law EU Law Law and Science Legal Translation New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) Circular Economy and Plastics Regulation Energy Transition and Critical Minerals Her recent publications and research projects highlight a consistent focus on regulatory innovation and sustainability, particularly in the use of NAMs for chemical safety, the legal challenges of promoting recycled plastics, and the geopolitics of critical minerals for clean energy. These works reflect a multidisciplinary trend integrating law with environmental science, public health, and policy analysis. Her scientific recognition includes being appointed as a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Bayreuth in 2018. This honor reflects her international standing in legal academia. She actively supervises PhD students on topics such as renewable energy policy, hydraulic fracturing, and legal translation. Her research is supported by major grants from the European Commission and the UK’s Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC), including projects like RECREATE and PrecisionTox, which aim to transform regulatory science and sustainability law. She leads and co-leads major interdisciplinary initiatives such as the Health-centred Systems Approach towards Net-Zero (Heal-NZ) and the development of a circular economy for medical plastics, demonstrating her role in bridging law with science and public health.
Professor Awadhesh N. Jha is a Professor in Genetic Toxicology and Ecotoxicology at the School of Biological and Marine Sciences , University of Plymouth, UK. He has been a leading figure in environmental toxicology since joining the university in 1996, rising to full professorship in 2010. He leads the Environmental and Applied Biology Research Group and the Genetic Toxicology and Ecotoxicology Research Group, and served as REF UoA6 Coordinator (2014–2022). His educational background includes a PhD in Radiation Cytogenetics from Banaras Hindu University, India (1989), followed by post-doctoral work at Leiden University, Netherlands, and a role at ICI/Zeneca’s marine toxicology lab before transitioning to academia. Professor Jha’s research focuses on the genotoxic and ecotoxic impacts of environmental stressors such as radionuclides, engineered nanoparticles, PAHs, and emerging contaminants on aquatic organisms. He employs multidisciplinary and innovative methodologies, including in vitro models like fish cell spheroids (‘Virtual Fish’ project), to assess DNA damage, develop biomarkers, and reduce reliance on live animal testing. His work integrates molecular biology, chemistry, and environmental science to evaluate risks to marine ecosystems and human health. The recent research articles reflect a strong trend in marine pollution, radiation biology, and environmental risk assessment , with increasing emphasis on emerging issues like tritium release from nuclear facilities, AI-assisted landfill risk modeling, and sunscreen toxicity. His studies often involve international collaborations and real-world policy implications. Scientific Awards and Recognitions: Jim Parry Award, UKEMS (2021) Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (FRSB, 2015) VC’s World Class Researcher Award Finalist (2010, 2012) Plymouth Pioneers Recognition UK Nominated Expert, UN WOA III (2023) Supervision and Grants: Professor Jha has supervised 26 PhD students to completion and mentored over 10 post-doctoral researchers. He has led major funded projects including TRANSAT (€5M, Horizon 2020), SPHERTOX , and TITANS , funded by EU, NERC, BBSRC, IAEA, and industry partners like AstraZeneca and Unilever. His work directly informs environmental policy and nuclear safety regulations. Laboratories and Teams: He leads the Genetic Toxicology and Ecotoxicology Research Group and is central to the Environmental and Applied Biology Research Group at Plymouth. His team collaborates internationally with institutions in France, Italy, Spain, Brazil, and India, and contributes to the South West Nuclear Hub. The lab specializes in advanced analytical methods, comet assays, and 3D cell culture models.
Dr. Nicola Allison is a Reader at the University of St Andrews, School of Earth & Environmental Sciences, where she leads research on biomineralisation. Her work focuses on how marine organisms form calcium carbonate structures, the impact of environmental changes on these processes, and the role of these biominerals in reconstructing past climates. Her research integrates experimental studies using controlled aquaria systems to culture corals and other organisms, alongside geochemical analyses of fossil carbonates. Key areas include the effects of ocean acidification, rising temperatures, and organic matrices on biomineral formation. She collaborates internationally, including through the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP). Publications highlight advancements in understanding coral skeletal chemistry, aragonite precipitation mechanisms, and the development of climate proxies. She holds grants from NERC, MASTS, and the Leverhulme Trust, supporting projects on coral calcification, biomolecule influences, and climate change impacts. Dr. Allison actively engages in public outreach through workshops and conferences, contributing to climate science communication and policy-relevant research on marine ecosystems.
Professor Jill Edmondson serves as a Professor of Ecosystem Sustainability and NERC Knowledge Exchange Fellow at the School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, where she has been a Senior Lecturer since 2021. Her research focuses on enhancing ecosystem sustainability and resilience in urban and agricultural contexts through interdisciplinary approaches bridging soil science, plant ecology, and social dimensions. Her core research pillars include: Urban Horticulture , where she leads the national MYHarvest citizen science project quantifying home-grown food production while assessing ecosystem co-benefits and soil pollutant risks; Soil Carbon Dynamics , specializing in black carbon's role in urban soil carbon sequestration; and Urban Forest Ecology , investigating how pollution and infrastructure encasement impact tree health and ecosystem services like heat mitigation. Her work consistently integrates field studies with policy-relevant applications for city planning. Analysis of her 2020-2025 publications reveals intensifying focus on climate adaptation, with dominant themes including urban food security quantification, soil contaminant bioavailability, green infrastructure performance, and urban tree resilience. Methodologically, she pioneers citizen science integration and interdisciplinary field measurements, yielding actionable insights for urban sustainability policy. Her major recognitions include: NERC Knowledge Exchange Fellow (2022-present) EPSRC Living with Environmental Change Fellow (2016-2021) Professor Edmondson supervises undergraduate literature reviews and research projects across multiple programs (MBiolSci, MEnvSci, MSc, MRes), mentoring the next generation of sustainability scientists. Her grant portfolio features competitive fellowships supporting urban ecosystem research with direct policy applications through partnerships with local governments and environmental NGOs. She directs the MYHarvest citizen science initiative and collaborates extensively with the University of Sheffield's Institute for Sustainable Food, leading a multidisciplinary team spanning soil science, ecology, and engineering to develop evidence-based strategies for resilient urban ecosystems.
Professor Guy Woodward is a Professor of Ecology at Imperial College London's Department of Life Sciences (Silwood Park), part of the Faculty of Natural Sciences. He leads the NERC ERCITE Programme and holds affiliations with the Freshwater Biological Association, serving on its Board of Directors. His research focuses on the impacts of stressors like chemical pollution, climate change, and habitat alteration on aquatic ecosystems, particularly food web dynamics and metabolic theory. Woodward has secured over £13M in grants, including a £2.5M ERCITE grant, and collaborates with international experts such as Dr. Jose Montoya and Prof. Owen Petchey. His work emphasizes individual-based approaches to ecological networks and the application of allometric scaling laws. Key contributions include studying geothermally heated streams in Iceland and experimentally warming mesocosms to understand climate impacts. Woodward has supervised numerous PhD students, including Dr. Gabriel Yvon-Durocher, Dr. Julia Reiss, and Dr. Eoin O'Gorman. Education: PhD in Ecology from the University of London and BSc (Hons) in Ecology & Environmental Management from Cardiff University. His research spans over 20 years, with notable grants from NERC, the European Science Foundation, and AXA Insurance. He co-authored the Next Generation Biomonitoring series and serves as Series Editor for Advances in Ecological Research (Elsevier). Current affiliations include the Georgina Mace Centre for the Living Planet and the Grantham Institute. Research highlights include quantifying climate-warming effects on food webs, developing metabolic theory applications, and investigating synergistic stressor impacts. His team explores ecological resilience, with projects like 'Restoration of Chalk Rivers' and 'Climate Change Impacts on Freshwater Food Webs'. Woodward's work bridges theoretical and applied ecology, aiming to inform conservation and ecosystem restoration strategies.
Professor Jing Meng is a leading academic at University College London's Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, holding the position since 2023 after progressing from Lecturer (2019-2021) to Associate Professor (2021-2023). She concurrently serves as a fellow at the Cambridge Centre for Environment, Energy and Natural Resource Governance and maintains active editorial roles as Executive Editor of the Journal of Cleaner Production and Associate Editor for Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres. Her research spans three interconnected domains: Energy Transitions and Technology Innovation (examining cost forecasts and structural emission declines in China), Climate Change Policies (analyzing South-South trade effects and multinational enterprise emissions), and Emission-Health-Socioeconomics Nexus (assessing air pollution impacts and integrated co-mitigation strategies). This interdisciplinary approach is reflected in her publication record across Nature family journals and PNAS. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a consistent focus on global carbon accounting methodologies, with increasing attention to subnational (city-level) analyses, health co-benefits of climate policies, and technological innovation pathways for hard-to-abate sectors. Her work frequently employs multi-regional input-output modeling to trace emissions through complex supply chains. AGU Global Environmental Change Early Career Award (2023) MIT Technology Review Innovators Under 35 Asia Pacific (2022) Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2020-2024) Nature Communications Top 50 Earth Sciences Article (2018) MDPI Emerging Sustainability Leader Award (2020) Environmental Research Letters Best Early Career Article (2017) Professor Meng has secured substantial funding from diverse sources including NERC, the British Council, Quadrature Climate Foundation, The Royal Society, and UCL internal grants. She leads an interdisciplinary research group focused on technology innovation and climate policy, with particular emphasis on China's role in global emissions systems. Her work directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 13 (Climate Action) through actionable policy insights.
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).
