Hongtao Zhang

Dr. Hongtao Zhang serves as Senior Lecturer in Functional Ceramics at Loughborough University and holds leadership roles as Deputy Director of the Loughborough-China Materials Partnership (LCMP) Programme and LCMP Admissions Tutor.

His academic qualifications include:

• B.Eng in Physical Metallurgy, Sichuan University, China (1992)
• M.Eng in Physical Metallurgy, Sichuan University, China (1995)
• PhD in Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, UK (2006)

Dr. Zhang's research spans Materials Science with specialization in functional ceramics for extreme environments, ferroelectric materials with high Curie points, electrochemical energy storage systems, and oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloys for nuclear applications. His work addresses critical challenges in materials performance under high-temperature and radiation conditions, contributing to advancements in sustainable energy and next-generation nuclear technologies.

Prior to joining Loughborough in 2014, he served as a Research Fellow at the University of Oxford's Department of Materials for over six years, leading projects on smart materials for energy storage and ODS alloy manufacturing. Since 2017, he has directed the LCMP initiative to strengthen UK-China collaboration in materials research and education.

His professional recognition includes:

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2016)

In his LCMP leadership capacity, Dr. Zhang oversees strategic program development, international student recruitment, and collaborative research initiatives that bridge materials science expertise between Loughborough University and Chinese academic institutions.