Winifred Obande

Dr Winifred (Wini) Obande serves as a Lecturer and Elizabeth Georgeson Fellow within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Edinburgh's School of Engineering. Her research focuses on sustainable composite materials development through circular engineering principles.

Her academic credentials include a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Edinburgh, an MRes in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Limerick, and a BEng in Biomedical Engineering from the same institution. Professional memberships encompass the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE), and Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3).

Dr Obande leads the Circular Composites Engineering Group, pioneering resource-efficient lightweight materials through life-cycle assessment integration. Her work emphasizes waste valorisation and bio-based feedstocks as virgin material alternatives, with rigorous functionality/durability testing. Current research spans thermoplastic composites for marine applications, manufacturing process innovation, and end-of-life recycling strategies.

Analysis of her publication record reveals dominant themes in marine-grade thermoplastic composites and sustainable manufacturing. Key trends include room-temperature resin infusion techniques, seawater ageing effects on glass-fibre composites, and thermal reshaping for composite recycling – all targeting tidal energy infrastructure applications.

Her scientific recognition includes the prestigious Elizabeth Georgeson Fellowship. She actively serves on the SAMPE UK & Ireland Committee and co-founded the Edinburgh Materials Society.

Dr Obande supervises PhD candidates through the Circular Composites Engineering Group, currently offering projects on recycled fibre alignment and sustainable manufacturing processes. Her Royal Academy of Engineering-funded project "Alignment and Functionalisation of Waste Fibres into High-Value Composite Materials" (2025-2030) represents significant grant leadership.

The Circular Composites Engineering Group operates at the intersection of materials science and environmental sustainability, collaborating with tidal energy developers and waste management specialists to advance circular economy implementation in composite manufacturing.