Waheed Afzal

Dr. Waheed Afzal is a Reader in the School of Engineering at the University of Aberdeen, where he leads the MSc in Process Safety and MSc in Advanced Chemical Engineering. He holds a PhD from Mines Paris PSL and a European PhD jointly from Mines Paris PSL and the Technical University of Denmark, with postdoctoral experience at the University of California, Berkeley. He is a Chartered Engineer (CEng), Chartered Scientist (CSci), Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (FIChemE), and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).

• PhD (2009): Mines Paris PSL
• European PhD (2010): Mines Paris PSL and Technical University of Denmark
• Post-Doc (2010–2013): University of California, Berkeley
• MS (2005) & BSc Engg (2004): Punjab University, Lahore
• PgCert (2016): University of Aberdeen

His research focuses on sustainable process engineering, environmental protection, and clean energy technologies. Key areas include carbon capture and utilization (CCUS), waste valorization (especially waste plastics), wastewater treatment, biofuels, mineral carbonation, and hydrogen safety. He emphasizes practical engineering solutions to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

His recent publications span high-impact journals and reveal a strong trend in sustainable materials, catalysis for plastic conversion, carbon-negative processes, and safety in green hydrogen systems. These works reflect interdisciplinary collaboration and a commitment to circular economy principles and environmental sustainability.

• European Doctorate (2010)
• Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (FIChemE)
• Chartered Engineer (CEng)
• Chartered Scientist (CSci)
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)

Dr. Afzal actively supervises PhD students and has led numerous funded research projects. He has served as lead or co-supervisor for over a dozen successful PhDs and currently mentors several ongoing doctoral candidates. His grants include projects on carbon utilization in precipitated calcium carbonate, sustainable offshore dismantling, and integration of renewable energy in agriculture. He also contributes as an external examiner, accreditation assessor, and journal reviewer for international bodies.

He is involved in multiple collaborative research efforts with institutions such as MINES ParisTech, Technical University of Denmark, and the University of Manchester. His leadership in MSc programs and contributions to courses in safety, separation processes, and biochemical engineering highlight his strong educational impact.