Nazanin Emami

Professor Nazanin Emami is a leading researcher in the Department of Engineering Sciences and Mathematics at Luleå University of Technology, specializing in Machine Elements. She serves as Director of Studies for the National Research School in Tribology, coordinating efforts among LTU, KTH, Uppsala University, and Högskolan i Halmstad. Her research spans polymer tribology, biotribology, and orthopedic biomaterials development.

• 1994: Doctor in Dentistry (DDS)
• 2001: Licentiate in Engineering Science, Luleå University of Technology
• 2004: PhD in Engineering Science, Luleå University of Technology
• 2006-2008: Postdoctoral research at University of South Australia
• 2011-2015: Associate Professor
• 2016-onward: Full Professor

Professor Emami's research focuses on understanding friction and wear mechanisms in polymers and polymer-based composites, with particular emphasis on applications in orthopedic implants and biological environments. Her work bridges dental materials science with mechanical engineering, developing novel biomaterials for load-bearing joints. She investigates how nanofillers enhance polymer performance in orthopedic applications and explores biolubrication phenomena in human joints.

Her recent publications (2025) demonstrate a strong focus on advanced materials for medical applications, particularly examining PEEK-based materials under extreme conditions, nanodiamond additives for friction reduction, and wear mechanisms in joint replacements. These works reflect her interdisciplinary approach combining materials science, tribology, and biomedical engineering to solve practical problems in orthopedics and manufacturing.

• 2019: Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) award for materials science research
• 2010: First place in Dental ceramic challenge
• 2008: Royal Skytteanska Samfundet award as outstanding young researcher
• 2002: IADR Travel award
• 2001: Edward Hatton Award winner

Professor Emami has supervised numerous PhD and Master's students, with several receiving prestigious awards for their theses. Her research projects often involve international collaborations with universities in the UK, Portugal, Sweden, Canada, and Slovenia. She leads multiple ongoing projects funded by various sources including the Central of Doctoral Education UK, focusing on polymer composites for extreme tribological conditions, biobased materials, and advanced manufacturing techniques for orthopedic applications.

Her research group maintains strong connections with industry partners and collaborates with specialized laboratories including the TINT Laboratory for Tribology and Interface Nanotechnology in Ljubljana and the Polymer Engineering Research Group at LTU.