Subhadeep Paul is a Researcher at Northumbria University, focusing on polymer science, fibres and textiles, physical chemistry, and material characterisation. His work integrates nanotechnology and sustainable practices to enhance textile properties. He holds a PhD awarded in March 2024. Research interests include electrospinning of bioengineered fibres, functional finishing techniques, and net-zero strategies for wool industries. Education: PhD (2024), Northumbria University Key research areas involve advancing textile materials through nanotechnology, optimising dye interactions with wool fibres, and developing sustainable healthcare textiles. Recent publications explore bacterial cellulose fibres, superhydrophobic coatings, and CAD applications in sustainable design. His work bridges fundamental material science with industrial textile innovation. Publications span interdisciplinary topics from biomaterials to medical textiles, emphasizing practical applications of advanced material characterisation. Collaborations include industry partners for net-zero textile solutions. No awards or grants explicitly stated, but research actively contributes to Northumbria's materials and sustainability themes.
Nikos Nanos is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Portsmouth , affiliated with the School of Civil Engineering and Surveying within the Faculty of Technology. He holds a PhD in Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics, an MSc in New Technologies in Antiseismic Engineering Design, and a BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering. Research Focus: Structural Engineering, Earthquake Engineering, Soil Structure Interaction, and Optimisation Algorithms Expertise: Structural Dynamics, Seismic Assessment, and Construction Optimization His recent work explores low-cost MEMS sensors for environmental monitoring, modular construction with lean thinking, and post-disaster housing solutions. He supervises PhD students in seismic structural response, concrete behavior, and soil-structure interaction, leveraging advanced facilities like the Seismic Table testing bed and Heavy Structures Lab . Interdisciplinary collaborations span Computing, Business, and Engineering disciplines, emphasizing data agnostic methodologies and cross-disciplinary innovation . Key projects include structural health monitoring, seismic vulnerability assessments, and BIM-based parametric optimization. Students: Supervises research in seismic structural response, concrete behavior, and structural monitoring. Labs & Facilities: Oversees the University of Portsmouth's Seismic Table testing bed, Heavy Structures equipment, and in-house FEA capabilities.
Spyridon Pougkakiotis is a Lecturer in Optimization at King’s College London’s Department of Mathematics, part of the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences. He previously held positions as Lecturer in Mathematics at the University of Dundee (2023–2024) and as a postdoctoral research associate at Yale University (2022–2023). His research focuses on continuous optimization, stochastic optimization, and risk-aware decision-making, with applications in operational research, engineering, and data science. He has developed efficient algorithms for large-scale optimization problems and contributed to preconditioning techniques in interior point methods. Education: BSc in Informatics and Telecommunications, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (2012–2016) MSc in Operational Research with Computational Optimisation, University of Edinburgh (2016–2017) PhD in Optimization, University of Edinburgh (2017–2022) His research interests emphasize nonlinear optimization (including non-smooth, stochastic, and black-box problems) and algorithm development. He has been recognized with the 2022 OR Society Doctoral Award and was a finalist for the 2024 Euro Doctoral Dissertation Award. Teaching includes undergraduate courses on numerical methods with Python and an MSc module on machine learning. He is involved in King’s Financial Mathematics group and organized events like the “Afternoon of Stochastic Optimisation” workshop in 2025. Awards: 2022 OR Society Doctoral Award (Most Distinguished Doctoral Research in Operational Research) 2024 Euro Doctoral Dissertation Award Finalist Current research projects include a 50/50 Haleon Industry Studentship (2025–2028), focusing on optimization applications in industry.
Dr. Tugrul Comlekci is a Principal Knowledge Exchange Fellow at the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Strathclyde. He is also affiliated with the Weir Advanced Research Centre (WARC), where he specializes in research and knowledge exchange activities with industrial applications. As a chartered mechanical engineer (CEng MIMechE), his work bridges academic research with practical engineering solutions for industry. Dr. Comlekci's research focuses on structural integrity assessment, solid mechanics, and modeling, with expertise in developing both numerical (particularly finite element analysis) and experimental methodologies. His work has significant applications in: Pressure equipment for oil and gas industry applications Energy generation applications, particularly wind turbine structures Welding simulation for naval vessel fabrication Fatigue and corrosion fatigue analysis His research portfolio demonstrates a strong emphasis on practical industrial applications, with notable contributions including: Patented fracking pump fluidend valve seat design that improved pump fatigue life Autofrettage optimization solutions applied to numerous pump designs Wind turbine life assessment methodologies developed for SSE/Scottish Power Weld distortion analysis methodologies for BAE Systems Dr. Comlekci has successfully translated research into industrial practice, with technologies transferred to Weir SPM and methodologies adopted by major industry players. His publication record shows consistent output in high-impact journals focusing on structural steel performance, fatigue analysis, and crack propagation. As an educator, Dr. Comlekci teaches across all levels, with interests in structural integrity, computer-aided engineering design, finite element analysis (using ANSYS, PTC Creo, SolidWorks), aeromechanical engineering, and engineering business strategic analysis. He supervises undergraduate, MSc, and PhD projects, contributing to the development of next-generation engineers. His current research projects include: Development of a DEM tool for wear prediction and design optimisation of GET (2024-2027) Development of Sustainable Mining Equipment using Novel Fracture Mechanics based Structural Design Optimisation (2023-2026) Wind turbine fatigue life assessment and modelling (2016-2018) APESA (H2020 MSCA EID) project (2015-2019) Dr. Comlekci works closely with industry partners including Weir Group, SSE/Scottish Power, and BAE Systems, ensuring his research has direct practical applications and impact in the engineering sector.
David Nash is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, part of the Faculty of Engineering. He holds professional qualifications including BSc(Hons), MSc, PhD, CEng, FIMechE, and FIES. His expertise spans Finite Element Analysis, Pressure Vessels, Bio-mechanics, and Medical Device Design. He has led numerous projects, including the ICF Mechanical Property Optimisation of Magnesium Alloy Wires (2024-2025) and research on bioresorbable materials for vascular scaffolds. He has collaborated on initiatives like Boiler Technologies and contributed to the Doctoral Training Partnership (2017-2022). Nash's research focuses on structural analysis, stress optimization, and materials science with applications in aerospace, biomedical engineering, and renewable energy. His work addresses challenges in wind turbine blade erosion, composite material behavior, and pressure vessel integrity. Over 150 publications and patents highlight his contributions to fields like metal-to-metal seals, cold-formed steel structures, and finite element modeling. Awards and recognitions are not explicitly listed in the provided texts.
Wen-shin Lee is a Lecturer at the University of Stirling's Division of Computing Science and Mathematics, specializing in computational mathematics and signal processing. Her research focuses on exponential analysis, sparse interpolation, and symbolic-numeric computation. She holds a PhD from North Carolina State University and has held positions at institutions like the University of Antwerp and INRIA. Current affiliations include the Computational Mathematics and Optimisation Research Group (COMMON). Education: Bachelor’s in Mathematics, National Taiwan University PhD in Computational Mathematics, North Carolina State University Research Interests: Her work bridges computer algebra and signal processing, emphasizing applications like antenna positioning, radar imaging, and texture decomposition. Recent trends include sub-sampled exponential analysis, validated algorithms, and high-resolution signal reconstruction from sparse data. Labs/Groups: Active in the COMMON group at the University of Stirling and collaborates on the EXPOWER project (Exponential Analysis Empowering Innovation).
Yang Xiaotang is an Assistant Professor in the Engineering Systems and Design (ESD) pillar at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). Previously, she was a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, and a Visiting Scholar at the University of Michigan's Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering. She holds a PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and a Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial Engineering from Chongqing University. Her research focuses on innovative technologies and business models within on-demand service platforms, smart mobility, digital economy, and healthcare systems. Key interests include automation's impact on labor, ride-hailing systems, and strategic vendor competition in on-demand markets. Selected publications include work on tele-driver integration in ride-hailing (Management Science, 2024) and automation's labor dynamics (under review in Manufacturing & Service Operations Management). Awards include Second Place in the Initiative on the Sharing Economy Student Competition (2023). She has presented at conferences such as INFORMS, MSOM, and POMS, and delivered seminars at institutions like Penn State University, University of Science and Technology of China, and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Her work bridges operations research, transportation economics, and technological innovation.
Simon Moakes is a Research Fellow at the Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University, and holds a Doctor of Professional Studies in the Department of Life Sciences. He is actively engaged in advancing sustainable agricultural systems through interdisciplinary research and external collaborations. Institution: Aberystwyth University School: Institute of Biological, Environmental & Rural Sciences (IBERS) Department: Department of Life Sciences Academic Rank: Research Fellow Email: sim44@aber.ac.uk, srm21@aber.ac.uk ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0519-2254 His research focuses on improving the sustainability of farm systems through methods such as farm system modelling, life cycle assessment (LCA), carbon footprinting, nutrient dynamics, and economic analysis. With over 20 years of experience in the UK, Switzerland, and internationally, he contributes to key global challenges including climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and Net Zero agriculture. His work aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to climate action, responsible consumption, and life on land. The recent trend in his publications shows a strong emphasis on harmonizing LCA methodologies for agricultural and livestock systems, assessing climate resilience in European dairy farms, and evaluating economic and environmental trade-offs in sustainable farming practices. His work integrates modelling, empirical data, and policy-relevant insights to support transitions toward more resilient and sustainable food systems. He contributes to the academic community as a member of the editorial advisory board for the journal Agricultural Systems . PATHWAYS: Pathways for transitions to sustainability in livestock husbandry and food systems (Principal Investigator, 2022–2026) Grassland Resilience for Net Zero (Co-Investigator, 2024–2027) Optimising nitrogen from legumes to reduce emissions in grassland farming (NUE-Leg) Land Use for Net Zero (LUNZ Hub) The Potential for Extending Economic Farm-level Benchmarking to Environmental Aspects (completed, 2010–2011) He has been involved in multiple externally funded research initiatives, including EU- and UKRI-supported projects, demonstrating a strong track record in securing and leading impactful research. His collaborative network spans Europe and beyond, contributing to transdisciplinary efforts in agroecology and sustainable land use. His research is supported by active grants from Horizon Discovery (UK), UK Research and Innovation, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Simon Moakes is affiliated with research teams and hubs focused on sustainable agriculture, including the LUNZ Hub and the PATHWAYS project consortium, which bring together experts from multiple institutions to develop integrated solutions for sustainable food systems.
Greet Vanden Berghe is a full professor at the Faculty of Engineering Technology of KU Leuven. She leads the Subdivision Combinatorial Optimisation and Decision Support at Ghent and Aalst Campuses, and contributes to research networks like Leuven.AI and LIM. Her work focuses on industrial combinatorial optimization problems through mathematical programming, heuristics, and decomposition approaches. Affiliations: Numerical Analysis and Applied Mathematics (NUMA), Leuven.AI, LIM Institute Research: Logistics optimization, personnel scheduling, vehicle routing, and algorithm development for industrial decision support Projects: MoVeRS (Modular Vehicle Routing Solver), Trustworthy Algorithms for Industrial Decisions, Fairness in Allocation Problems, and Electric Vehicle Charging Station Optimization Her research emphasizes bridging theoretical advancements with real-world industrial challenges, particularly in maritime logistics, healthcare scheduling, and production planning. She has developed scalable solvers and integrated legal constraints into routing algorithms.
Ruud Gerard Nijman serves as a Visiting Lecturer in the Department of Paediatrics. He actively contributes to multicenter research consortia including the PERFORM project (Personalised Risk assessment in febrile children to optimise Real-life Management across the European Union) and the EPISODES Study Group, focusing on pediatric emergency medicine and infectious diseases across Europe. Research Focus: Dr. Nijman's work centers on pediatric biomarkers and infectious disease management, with emphasis on: Procalcitonin applications in emergency diagnostics COVID-19 impacts on pediatric health systems Non-pharmaceutical intervention strategies Surveillance systems for sepsis and respiratory infections Immune response dynamics post-pandemic Publication Trends: His recent research explores diagnostic protocols for febrile children in emergency settings and analyzes the surge of respiratory infections following COVID-19 lockdowns, introducing immunological concepts like 'immune debt' resulting from reduced pathogen exposure during pandemic restrictions. Collaborations: Key partnerships include European multicenter initiatives through PERFORM consortium spanning 8+ countries, focusing on risk stratification models for febrile children, and the EPISODES Study Group investigating post-pandemic infection patterns.
Lukas Schirren is a Research Fellow at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering. He collaborates with the University of Oxford, UCL, and TUM on energy systems research. Supervised by Professor Adam Hawkes, his work focuses on open-source energy system modeling, deep decarbonisation, and energy resilience. BSc in Industrial Engineering, Technical University of Berlin (2018–2022) Exchange Semester, INSA Lyon (2021) MSc in Sustainable Energy Futures, Imperial College London (2023–2024, with distinction) His research leverages uncertainty quantification, geospatial analysis, and machine learning to address energy challenges. Key projects include: Industrial Decarbonisation in Ukraine: Modeling green hydrogen integration for ammonia/steel production using PyPSA-Eur (SHIELD project) Machine Learning for Energy Systems: Predictive models for solar PV generation losses Geospatial Analysis of Commodity Production Costs: Assessing hydrogen potential in Laos and Nepal (CCG project) He develops open-source tools like GeoH2-Laos and Slope-Exclusion, with technical expertise in Python, Jupyter Notebook, and GoLang databases. Distinction: Completed MSc with distinction (2024)
Shakeel Ramjanee is an Honorary Research Fellow in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London. His research bridges Process Systems Engineering and machine learning for industrial decarbonisation. 2004–2008: MEng Chemical Engineering (1:1) at Imperial College London 2016–2023: PhD in Process Systems Engineering at Imperial College London His research focuses on: Surrogate Model Development using machine learning, Constrained Nonlinear and Metaheuristic Optimisation frameworks, Industrial Decarbonisation collaborations. He serves as Chair of the IChemE's Oil and Natural Gas Special Interest Group. Fellowships: FIChemE, FEI, FIET, FSarS Professional Accreditations: CEng, PPSE
Dr. Davide Lasagna is an Associate Professor in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the University of Southampton. His primary research focuses on applying dynamical systems theory to fluid turbulence, with specific interests in flow instability, optimization and control, and model order reduction. He has received funding from the UK's Engineering and Physical Research Council (EPSRC) and the USA's Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). Current Research Projects: The shadow of turbulence: algorithms and applications; Sensitivity of Turbulence using Recurrent Flows Collaborations: Bharath Ganapathisubramani, Zheng-Tong Xie, Andrea Da Ronch His work spans theoretical and applied fluid mechanics, with recent publications on chaotic systems, wake flows, and urban aerodynamics. He also coordinates Year 1 and 2 of the Aero & Astro Engineering Programme and teaches courses in engineering design, flight mechanics, and data-driven fluid mechanics.
Dr Julian Thompson is a Senior Lecturer in Mathematical Sciences at York St John University, affiliated with the School of Science, Technology and Health. He holds a BSc from the University of Kent, an MSc in Applied Mathematics from the University of East Anglia, and a PhD in Applied Mathematics from the University of East Anglia. His research focuses on fluid dynamics, particularly surfactant-laden flows and tsunami propagation, with notable experimental and theoretical contributions. Prior to his current role, he held postdoctoral positions at University College London and Loughborough University. Teaching responsibilities include modules on Analysis & Optimisation (1DS005) and Geometry & Groups (2SD004) for the Data Science Degree Apprenticeship course. His research interests span fluid mechanics, environmental hazards modelling, and computational methods, with a strong emphasis on practical applications. Publications highlight interdisciplinary work in fluid dynamics and environmental science, including studies on meteotsunamis, surfactant effects in multi-layer flows, and innovative image comparison techniques. Experimental methodologies and numerical modelling feature prominently in his work.
Aly-Joy Ulusoy is an Imperial College Research Fellow in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial College London, affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering and the Grantham Institute. Her research focuses on optimisation methods for the design and control of water distribution networks, integrating adaptive systems, hydraulic modeling, and resilience analysis. She holds a Ph.D. (2021) and M.Sc. (2016) from Imperial College London, and an M.Sc. from École Supérieure d’Électricité, France (2016). Previously, she worked as a postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Ivan Stoianov's InfraSense Labs. Education: Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London (2021) M.Sc. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London (2016) M.Sc., École Supérieure d’Électricité, France (2016) Her research interests span optimisation algorithms for water network control, adaptive hydraulic systems, data-driven hydraulic modeling, and resilient infrastructure design. Recent work emphasizes dynamically adaptive networks for pressure management, fault localization, and integration of AI for demand forecasting. She explores multi-objective optimization techniques to balance operational efficiency and resilience in water distribution systems. Key research trends include: (1) distributed optimization for real-time control under time-coupling constraints, (2) interpretable AI for water demand prediction, and (3) principled approaches for model maintenance using principal component analysis. Her work bridges theoretical optimisation with practical water infrastructure challenges. Advising and grants: No specific advisees or grants listed. Affiliated with InfraSense Labs, focusing on smart infrastructure and sensor networks. Active in developing methodologies for network resilience under uncertainty. Ongoing projects include adaptive MPC strategies for burst incident management and design-for-control frameworks for dynamically adaptive systems.
