Valerie Pinfield

Professor Valerie Pinfield is a distinguished academic at Loughborough University, where she serves as Professor of Ultrasonics and Complex Materials and Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Doctoral College. She has held several leadership positions including Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering (2017-2020), Director of Student Experience for the School of Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering (2023-2024), and Acting Dean for the School (Sept 2024-Aug 2025). Her academic journey began with postdoctoral research at the Universities of Leeds and Nottingham before joining Loughborough University as a Lecturer in 2012, where she was awarded a personal chair in 2023.

Professor Pinfield's educational background includes:

• MA in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge
• PhD in Food Science from the University of Leeds

With a mathematical physics background, Professor Pinfield has developed a broad spectrum of research interests focused on the intersection of physical acoustics, materials science, and digital technologies. Her work spans from fundamental investigations of wave propagation through complex media to applied research in sustainable energy systems. She is particularly known for her contributions to understanding multiple wave scattering in soft complex materials, which has applications in material characterization and metamaterial design.

Her recent research has expanded into machine learning and digitalization for material design and process optimization, with a strong emphasis on electrochemical technologies for sustainable energy. Professor Pinfield leads significant infrastructure and facilities projects in hydrogen technologies, spanning from sustainable propulsion for transport through materials development and testing to production and storage technologies. This work positions her at the forefront of research addressing global challenges in energy transition and sustainability.

An analysis of Professor Pinfield's recent publications reveals a clear trajectory toward integrating advanced computational methods with traditional physics-based approaches. Her work increasingly combines machine learning with multi-physics modeling to address complex problems in energy systems and materials science. The focus on CO2 reduction and capture technologies demonstrates her commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges through innovative engineering solutions. Her research bridges fundamental physics with practical applications in sustainable technologies.

Professor Pinfield has received significant recognition for her contributions to academia and science:

• Fellow of the Institute of Physics (FInstP)
• Chartered Physicist (CPhys)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)

As Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Doctoral College, Professor Pinfield plays a pivotal role in shaping the doctoral education experience at Loughborough University. She is deeply committed to developing future professionals in engineering and beyond through teaching, research mentorship, and academic leadership. Her industry experience at the Welding Institute and Cadbury Ltd provides valuable practical perspective to her academic work and student development initiatives. Professor Pinfield's research group contributes significantly to the university's strategic focus areas including Net Zero, Digital Engineering, and Sustainable Manufacturing and Circular Economy.

Professor Pinfield leads research groups focused on ultrasonics, complex materials, and sustainable energy technologies. Her work connects with several research centers at Loughborough University that focus on hydrogen technologies, sustainable manufacturing, and digital engineering. These interdisciplinary teams bring together expertise from physics, engineering, computer science, and materials science to tackle complex challenges in energy and sustainability.