Koon-Yang Lee

Koon-Yang Lee is a Professor in Polymer Engineering at Imperial College London's Department of Aeronautics within the Faculty of Engineering. He leads the Future Materials Group, focusing on sustainable materials development through interdisciplinary research in materials chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, and materials engineering. His work emphasizes simple design, manufacturability, and radical effects, with applications in nanocellulose composites, waste valorization, and porous polymeric materials. Lee holds leadership roles, including Senior Tutor and Co-Director of the MRes in Molecular Engineering at the Institute for Molecular Science and Engineering.

Education: PhD and MEng in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College London (2008–2012 and 2004–2008). Awards include the 2022 ACS Cellulose and Renewable Materials Division KINGFA Young Investigator Award. Research spans bio-based materials, composites, and environmental sustainability, with a focus on circular economy principles.

Advising and grants: Directs programs in composites engineering and oversees the Future Materials Group's innovative projects. His lab explores biobased plastics, lignocellulosic films, and industrial waste upcycling, with emphasis on reducing environmental impact through novel material design.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Future Materials Group and collaborates with the Grantham Institute. Affiliations include editorial roles for Carbohydrate Polymers and Fibers.