Dr. Laurens Mandemaker is an Assistant Professor at Utrecht University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health Sciences, and affiliated with the Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS). His research focuses on microplastics, nanotechnology, and catalysis, utilizing advanced techniques like atomic force microscopy and spectroscopy . Key Projects: MOMENTUM (Microplastics & Human Health), AURORA (Early-Life Health Impacts), NWO-XS (Nanoplastics in Babies), SPARK (Dialysis-Related Plastic Detection) His work bridges environmental toxicology and materials science , with recent publications on nanoplastic detection, bioplastic films, and MOF-based catalysts. He contributes to courses like Chemistry and Sustainability and collaborates on interdisciplinary exposomics studies.
Jürgen Eckert is a Professor and Director at the Erich Schmid Institute of Materials Science of the OAW and holds the Chair of Materials Physics at the University of Leoben . He is a Corresponding Member of the Division of Mathematics and Natural Sciences in Austria since 2017. His research spans Materials Science , Condensed Matter Physics , and Metallurgy , focusing on metallic glasses , high-entropy alloys , microstructure engineering , and additive manufacturing . He has pioneered work on crystallization kinetics , phase transformations , and mechanical property optimization . Recent publications (2024-2025) highlight advances in 3D-printed titanium alloys , nitrogen-stabilized nanocrystalline alloys , and multi-stage heterostructures , reflecting his interdisciplinary approach combining experimental physics , computational modeling , and materials engineering . THERMEC 2023 Distinguished Award Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz-Preis (2009) ERC-Advanced Grant (2013) DGM-Preis der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Materialkunde (2014) Dr. honoris causa, Slovak Technical University (2018) He leads the ERC Project INTELHYB and collaborates with institutions in India , Germany , and Europe , advancing heterogeneous materials design and sustainable metallurgical solutions .
Paul G. Hayes is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Lethbridge , where he leads the Hayes Research Group . His work focuses on organometallic and inorganic chemistry for catalysis, biodegradable materials, and actinide/lanthanide complexes. Education : B.Sc. (Honours) in Chemistry from Mount Allison University, Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Calgary, and NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of California, Berkeley. Research Interests include: Synthesis of reactive inorganic molecules for chemical transformations and catalysis. Biodegradable/biocompatible materials using Mg, Ca, and Zn complexes. Lanthanide/actinide complexation with phosphazide ligands. Catalytic hydrocarbon functionalization via Rh and Ir complexes. His group employs high-vacuum techniques, X-ray crystallography, and spectroscopy (NMR, EPR, GPC) to characterize these systems. Recent Publications highlight advancements in rhodium-mediated heterocycle synthesis, cyclometalation suppression, and actinide-ligand interactions, spanning Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. , Dalton Trans. , and Organometallics . Key themes include ligand design, small-molecule activation, and green chemistry. Scientific Awards : Tier I Board of Governors Research Chair. NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship. NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship. Advising and Grants include mentoring over 20 graduate/undergraduate students and securing major funding from NSERC, Alberta Ingenuity, and the Canada Foundation for Innovation. His lab’s Research Facilities include the Research Facility for Organometallic Chemistry and the New Science Building (Science Commons).
Riikka Tapaninaho is a University Instructor at Tampere University's Faculty of Management and Business, specializing in Business Studies. Her work bridges academic research and practical application in sustainable value creation and stakeholder relationships. Research Focus: She contributes to projects like Business to Nature (B2N) and CICAT2025 Circular Economy Catalysts , exploring how businesses align with sustainability goals. Her research group, RESPMAN , investigates stakeholder dynamics in sustainable transitions. Teaching: Courses include Sidosryhmäteoria ja -johtaminen (Stakeholder Theory and Management) and Henkilöstöjohtamisen ajankohtaisia teemoja (Current Themes in Personnel Management). Her pedagogy integrates sustainability into business practices. Contact: riikka.tapaninaho@tuni.fi
Ya-Huei (Cathy) Chin is a Professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry within the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering at the University of Toronto. She holds a Canada Research Chair in Advanced Catalysis for Sustainable Chemistry and maintains an active research group focused on molecular-level understanding of catalytic processes for sustainable chemical and fuel synthesis. Research Interests span catalysis, sustainable chemistry, and energy conversion. Her work bridges thermo- and electro-catalysis, investigates microenvironment effects on reaction selectivity, and connects transition metal catalyst structure/reactivity to C-H, C-O, and C-C bond activation. Selected Publications highlight her contributions to microstructured catalytic materials, surface reaction dynamics, and sustainable liquid fuel synthesis. Key areas include metal cluster reactivity, solid acid catalysis, and reactor design innovations. Scientific Awards & Honors include the Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship (2018), Emerging Leader in Chemical Engineering (2017), Canada Research Chair (Tier II) (2016), and multiple teaching/research recognitions.
Marcin Janczarek is a researcher at the Poznań University of Technology, Faculty of Chemical Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology and Engineering. He holds a DSc in Chemical Sciences (2019) and a PhD in Chemical Technology (2005) from Gdańsk University of Technology. Research Interests: His work focuses on heterogeneous photocatalysis , semiconductor nanomaterials , and advanced oxidation processes for water and air purification. He investigates photocatalytic reactors and TiO2-based materials with applications in environmental engineering and construction industries. Recent Publications: His recent studies include TiO2-polymer composites for water treatment, visible-light photocatalysts for pollutant degradation, and antimicrobial cement applications. Collaborations span Hokkaido University, Gdańsk University of Technology, and Hubei University of Technology. Honors: Guest editor for MDPI Catalysts special issues (2017-2021) Editorial board member of IET Micro & Nano Letters Teaching: Conducts classes on process equipment and chemical engineering materials. Utilizes AutoCAD for engineering graphics.
Jürgen Hauer is a Professor at the Technische Universität München (TUM) within the TUM School of Natural Sciences . He leads the Professorship for Dynamic Spectroscopy , focusing on ultrafast chemical processes using femtosecond laser spectroscopy. His work spans energy transfer pathways, photocatalytic reactions, and molecular dynamics across ten timescale orders. Research Interests Ultrafast energy transfer in photosynthetic systems Femtosecond spectroscopy for reaction bottlenecks Development of advanced time-resolved methods Photochemical kinetic resolution of enantiomers Application to sustainable chemistry and catalysis Recent Publications (2025) highlight innovations in transient absorption anisotropy, Stokes shift dynamics, and FT-IR bacterial analysis. His scientific awards include the FWF's START Prize and Lise Meitner Fellowship. Teaching activities at TUM include courses in Biophysical Chemistry and Experimental Physical Chemistry.
Dr. Indrat Aria is a Senior Lecturer in Functional Nanomaterials at Cranfield University's Surface Engineering and Precision Centre within the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences. With expertise spanning nanomaterials, nanotechnology, renewable energy, smart materials, and surface engineering, Dr. Aria leads research focused on developing novel materials for sustainability applications. His educational background includes a PhD in Aeronautics from California Institute of Technology (2013), where he received the prestigious William F. Ballhaus Prize for his outstanding doctoral dissertation, an MSc from Caltech's Department of Aeronautics (2008), and a BSc with Honours (cum laude) from Bandung Institute of Technology, Indonesia (2006). Prior to joining Cranfield, he was a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at Cambridge University and a College Research Associate at Clare College (2013-2017). Dr. Aria's research interests center on the synthesis of hierarchical and 3D assemblies of low-dimensional nanomaterials, integration of nano-bulk materials, engineering of surfaces and interfaces, and design of functional ultrathin films. His work spans applications in solar energy conversion (concentrating solar power, photovoltaics, photocatalysis), electrochemical processes (batteries, supercapacitors, hydrogen electrolysis), soft matter (biopolymers, hydrogels), and REACH compliant materials. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on combinatorial sputtering techniques, molten salt corrosion studies, and advanced hydrogel characterization for various applications. Among his notable achievements are the Fulbright fellowship (2007-2012), the Green Talent Award from the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (2014), and the 2024 Gold Award for Excellence in Hydrogen Research and Innovation from HyDEX for pioneering research in sustainable catalysts for green hydrogen production. Dr. Aria currently leads multiple research projects including H2020 MSCA-RISE FRIENDS2, IMAGE Photoluminescent Coatings, and several Innovate UK projects focused on flexible electrochromic windows, luminescent downshifting, novel electrocatalysts for green hydrogen electrolysis, and lithium-free batteries. His research group collaborates with industry partners such as Photocentric, Lambda Energy, BAE Systems, Hardide, and Thin Metal Films. He actively supervises PhD students and currently offers research opportunities in sustainable active materials for next-generation lithium-free batteries, novel electrocatalysts for green hydrogen by seawater electrolysis, and solid polymer electrolytes for batteries and smart windows.
Dr. Chiara Pischetola is a researcher at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), specializing in catalysis and sustainable chemistry. She is affiliated with the Laboratory for Catalysis and Sustainable Chemistry, focusing on advanced catalytic processes for environmental and energy applications. Her research spans CO2 hydrogenation, methanol production, selective hydrogenation of alkynols, and tandem catalytic reactions. Key methodologies include gas-phase processing, bimetallic catalysts, and hydrogen transfer systems. Recent work explores LDH memory effects, perovskite-supported copper catalysts, and biomass-derived feedstocks. Notable findings include the role of alumina in Ag/ZnO catalysts, mechanistic insights into benzylideneacetophenone synthesis, and innovations in hydrogenation without external H2 supply. Publications emphasize eco-friendly processes using Au-Cu, Pd-Ni, and Fe-ZSM-5 catalysts. Her work addresses carbon capture utilization, sustainable chemical synthesis, and pollution control through heterogeneous catalysis. Current projects focus on optimizing catalyst structures and reaction conditions for industrial scalability.
Dr. Wei Li is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Toledo , affiliated with the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics . Their research focuses on advanced organic synthesis and catalytic mechanisms. Research Interests : Dr. Li's work centers on organic chemistry , catalysis , and synthetic methods , particularly exploring photoredox catalysis , nickel catalysis , and hypervalent iodine reactions . Key areas include alkene functionalization , heterocycle synthesis , and C–H bond activation . Publications Trends : Recent articles (2024–2021) highlight breakthroughs in hypervalent iodine catalysis , olefin difunctionalization , and radical ring formation , with applications to pharmaceutical synthesis and materials science. Collaborations span Nature Chemistry , JACS , and Organic Letters .
Dr. Karthik Akkiraju serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Materials Engineering within UBC's Faculty of Applied Science, maintaining an active research program at the intersection of materials science and socio-environmental systems. His office (FF 011) and contact email (karthik.akkiraju@ubc.ca) reflect his current institutional affiliation. His research pioneers a techno-social paradigm for planetary health through three synergistic foci: (1) Establishing material poverty benchmarks using household survey data to identify resource-deprived communities; (2) Quantifying socio-environmental impacts across material supply chains; (3) Integrating well-being metrics into heterogeneous catalyst design frameworks. This work fundamentally reimagines materials engineering by centering human well-being within ecological boundaries, developing design methodologies that balance material requirements with equitable environmental constraints. Analysis of his publication trajectory reveals consistent interdisciplinary innovation spanning computational catalysis, environmental policy, and social metrics. His recent work demonstrates particular strength in perovskite catalyst engineering for sustainable chemistry and novel methodologies for spatial well-being assessment, reflecting a unique fusion of traditional materials science with computational social science. Dr. Akkiraju directs the Sustainable Materials Lab (SMAL), where his team develops frameworks connecting material consumption patterns to human development outcomes, creating pathways for resource allocation that simultaneously address poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability.
Wang Luyang serves as Associate Professor at Shenzhen University of Technology's School of New Materials and New Energy since 2021, previously holding an Assistant Professor position from 2017-2021. His academic journey includes postdoctoral research at Hong Kong Polytechnic University (2015-2017) following a PhD in Organic Chemistry from Sungkyunkwan University. His educational background features: PhD in Organic Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University (2015) Master's in Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine (2013) Bachelor's in Chemistry, Jilin University (2009) Research focuses on surface defect engineering , lithium battery cathode recycling , and photocatalytic carbon neutrality , with strong emphasis on nanomaterial design for sustainable energy solutions. His work bridges fundamental materials chemistry with practical environmental applications. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals dominant themes in solar hydrogen production through defect-engineered semiconductors (TiO 2 , BiVO 4 , WO 3 ), cocatalyst-free photocatalysis, and dual-function systems for simultaneous energy generation and waste degradation. Major recognitions include: Shenzhen Peacock Plan Category B Talent (2018) Advanced Individual award for university establishment efforts He leads multiple funded projects including the National Natural Science Foundation Youth Program (250,000 yuan) and Shenzhen's 4.5 million yuan Overseas High-level Talent Start-up Project, focusing on photocatalytic hydrogen production and battery material recycling with significant industrial collaboration potential.
Dr. Kwang Ho Kim serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Wood Science within the Faculty of Applied Science at the University of British Columbia (UBC), having joined the institution in July 2024. Previously, he held positions as a Principal Researcher at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and as an Adjunct Professor at UBC from 2018 to 2021, where he collaborated extensively with campus researchers. His research centers on sustainable biorefinery processes for maximizing biomass carbon conversion into value-added products. Key focus areas include catalytic lignin valorization, deep eutectic solvent applications in biomass pretreatment, and waste plastic conversion technologies. His interdisciplinary work bridges chemical engineering, green chemistry, and materials science to develop circular economy solutions for biomass and polymer waste streams. Analysis of Dr. Kim's recent publications (2022-2024) reveals dominant trends in catalytic biomass conversion, particularly using deep eutectic solvents for lignocellulose fractionation and plastic glycolysis. His work demonstrates strong emphasis on hydrogenolysis techniques for lignin depolymerization, electrochemical battery material analysis, and machine learning applications in renewable energy systems. These publications collectively advance sustainable pathways for biofuels, biobased chemicals, and waste-to-value processes.
Kevin Hughes is a Senior Lecturer in the Energy Engineering Group at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, University of Sheffield. He holds a PhD and first degree in Chemistry from the University of Leicester (1987) and focuses on fuel combustion, fuel cells, and process modelling in carbon capture and storage (CCS) systems. His research combines experimental and theoretical approaches, including planar laser diagnostics, quantum chemistry, and CFD simulations. Education: PhD and BSc in Chemistry from University of Leicester. Research Interests: Fuel combustion, pollutant chemistry, PEM fuel cells, CCS process modelling, catalyst development, and combustion in supercritical CO2. Grant Projects: FP7-ENERGY-2010-2 (RELCOM), Gas-FACTS (EPSRC), EP/J020788/1, EP/M001482/1 (Selective EGR), TEABPP (Energy Technology Institute). Scientific Contributions Publications: Over 50 papers on fuel combustion mechanisms, fuel cell optimization, CCS systems, and alternative fuels. Collaborations: Regular work with M. Pourkashanian, D.B. Ingham, S. Michailos, and M.S. Ismail. Technical Expertise Chemical Kinetics Validation Quantum Chemistry Applications Gas Diffusion Layer Analysis Surrogate Fuel Development Supercritical Combustion
Prof. Bert Weckhuysen is a University Professor of 'Catalysis, Energy & Sustainability' at Utrecht University since 2018, previously serving as Faculty Professor at the Faculty of Science since 2012 and Professor of Inorganic Chemistry & Catalysis since 2000. His research is centered at the Chemistry Institute for Sustainable and Circular Chemistry within the Faculty of Science at Utrecht University, where he leads the Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis research group. Prof. Weckhuysen's research focuses on developing structure-activity relationships in heterogeneous catalysis and materials science, with special emphasis on advanced in situ and operando characterization techniques. His work spans several critical areas including: Development and application of spatiotemporal operando spectroscopy to elucidate active sites in catalyst materials Catalytic conversion of biomass, plastic waste, and CO 2 Molecular design of materials for catalysis, adsorption, and separation Pathways to Sustainability with focus on Energy in Transition and Circular Economy His most recent publications demonstrate strong trends in operando characterization techniques, sustainable catalysis for CO 2 conversion, plastic waste valorization, and advanced materials design. The research spans fundamental understanding of catalyst behavior under working conditions to practical applications in energy transition and circular economy. Prof. Weckhuysen has received numerous prestigious awards including: Michel Boudart Award for the Advancement of Catalysis (2025) Karl Wamsler Innovation Award (2024) Chemistry Europe Award (2023) Spinoza Award (2013) - the highest scientific honor in the Netherlands Francqui Chair at the University of Antwerp (2024-2025) As a dedicated educator and mentor, Prof. Weckhuysen coordinates the Da Vinci Project and the Syllabus Catalysis Course. He has secured significant research funding including ERC Advanced Grants, Gravitation grants, and serves as Scientific Director of major research initiatives including SUNERGY, ARC-CBBC, and MCEC. His leadership extends to editorial roles for numerous high-impact journals including serving as Editor-in-Chief of Catalysis Science and Technology. Prof. Weckhuysen leads a vibrant research group focused on operando spectroscopy and sustainable catalysis, with strong connections to industry through initiatives like ARC-CBBC and SUNERGY. His group is actively working on developing the "Refinery of the Future" concept, which envisions producing fuels, chemicals, and materials from renewable resources and energy.
