Justyna Kulczyk-Malecka

Dr Justyna Kulczyk-Malecka is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Engineering at Manchester Metropolitan University. Her expertise focuses on functional thin films, barrier coatings, and advanced materials for energy applications. She holds a BSc (Hons) in Analytical Chemistry from Manchester Metropolitan University (2007) and a PhD in Surface Engineering (2012), both from Manchester Met. Her postdoctoral research at the University of Manchester involved developing self-healing thermal barrier coatings for jet engines under the Horizon Europe project.

Research Interests:

• Deposition and characterization of functional thin films via magnetron sputtering
• Materials for hostile environments (wear/corrosion/oxidation resistance)
• Advanced anode materials for solid oxide cells in fuel cells/electrolysis
• Thermo-mechanical properties of materials

Current Projects:

• Greater Manchester Electrochemical Hydrogen Cluster
• Barrier coatings collaboration with a UK defense contractor
• Catalyst layer development for PEM water electrolysis/fuel cells (Ceimig KTP)

Teaching & Supervision:

• Unit Leader for postgraduate courses: Engineering Sustainability and Management of Projects in the Energy Sector
• Principal supervisor for two PhD projects: Novel Optical Absorbers for Solar Control Glazing (funded by Pilkington Group) and Cr coatings for nuclear fuel rods (Westinghouse Electric Company)

Labs & Affiliations:

• Surface Engineering Lab, Manchester Metropolitan University
• Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre