Paola Alejandra Saenz Cavazos is a Visiting Researcher and postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London, affiliated with the Hitachi-Imperial Centre for Decarbonisation and Natural Solutions. She collaborates with Prof. Nilay Shah's research group, focusing on Negative Emissions Technologies (NETs) and their regulatory/commercial drivers. Her work bridges nature-based and engineered Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) methods like blue carbon and Direct Air Capture (DAC), alongside CCUS techniques such as carbon mineralization and Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs). Education: PhD in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College London (supervised by Prof. Daryl R. Williams), focusing on solid sorbents for CCUS under real-world conditions. Developed experimental frameworks and characterization techniques for scaling porous materials in gas adsorption applications. Research emphasizes technical performance, environmental impact, techno-economic analysis, and geo-social considerations of decarbonization technologies. Previously, she advised industries (energy, oil/gas, cement, mining, Waste-to-Energy) on net-zero strategies through her consultancy work, helping navigate decarbonisation complexities. Labs/Teams: Active in the Hitachi-Imperial Centre for Decarbonisation and Natural Solutions, contributing to interdisciplinary decarbonisation initiatives.
Susan Bernal Lopez is a Professor in the Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering at the University of Bath. She leads international research initiatives as Convener of the RILEM Technical Activities Committee Cluster A and Deputy-Chair of RILEM’s Technical Committee on carbon dioxide uptake in concrete. Her work focuses on low-carbon cement technologies, durability, and sustainability in construction materials. Education: Doctor of Engineering (Universidad del Valle, 2009) and Bachelor of Engineering in Materials Engineering (Universidad del Valle, 2004), both specializing in alkali-activated concretes. Research interests include advanced cement materials, circular economy applications, nuclear waste immobilization, and CO₂ sequestration. She collaborates with industry to accelerate the adoption of sustainable construction practices. Her recent research outputs emphasize CO₂ interactions with cement pastes, reactive-transport modeling, and waste-derived materials. Over 156 publications and 8 prestigious awards highlight her contributions to decarbonizing the construction sector. Active in grant-funded projects like the Innovate UK KTP collaborations with Wienerberger and SIKA Ltd, and the Horizon 2020 EcoCemXplore initiative. Editor for journals including RILEM Technical Letters and Cement and Concrete Research .
Associate Professor Kirk Vessalas is Head of School at the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering , University of Technology Sydney. He has led groundbreaking research on low-carbon concrete , supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) , and alkali-silica reaction (ASR) mitigation since 1992. His work integrates industrial by-products like fly ash and slag into high-performance concrete systems, supporting Australia's transition to a net-zero economy . PhD in Civil Engineering (UTS, 2009) Bachelor of Applied Science in Materials Science (UTS, 1991) Research interests span: Concrete durability and decarbonisation Mechanisms of ASR and DEF (Delayed Ettringite Formation) Development of smart cement-based sensors with self-sensing and self-cleaning properties Application of nanotomography for microstructural analysis Regulatory reform in Australian and New Zealand concrete standards Recent publications highlight advancements in alkali-activated binders , DEF risk assessment , and SCM integration for sustainable infrastructure. His studies often combine chemical analysis , durability testing , and industry collaboration to address practical challenges. Supervision and grants include mentoring students like Johnson Mak and Nicholas Allan, with over $6M AUD secured from ARC Research Hub , SmartCrete CRC , and international partnerships . He actively collaborates with Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia , Concrete New Zealand , and infrastructure agencies.
Dr. Aliakbar Gholampour is a Senior Lecturer in Civil and Structural Engineering at the College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University. He earned his PhD in Structural Engineering from the University of Adelaide in 2019 and served as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne until July 2020. He currently serves as Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies Lead at Flinders University. Dr. Gholampour's educational background includes: PhD in Structural Engineering, University of Adelaide (2019) MSc in Structural Engineering BSc in Civil Engineering (Honours) His research focuses on sustainable infrastructure development through innovative materials and technologies. Dr. Gholampour specializes in recycling waste materials, industrial by-products, and fibers to develop sustainable construction materials. His work encompasses cementitious composites containing nanomaterials, smart multifunctional construction materials, 3D printable concrete, and advanced modeling of fiber-reinforced concrete. In structural engineering, he investigates the behavior, performance, and design of civil infrastructure with emphasis on resilience, sustainability, and management of deteriorating assets. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong focus on sustainable construction materials, particularly in recycling waste streams (foundry sand, plastic, glass, lead slag) for concrete production. His work integrates advanced computational methods including machine learning for material property prediction. The research trends show increasing emphasis on life cycle assessment, carbon reduction technologies, and the development of high-performance sustainable concrete alternatives using industrial by-products and recycled materials. Dr. Gholampour's scientific recognition includes: World's top 2% scientist by Stanford University and Elsevier (2021-2023) Emerging Research Leader Award, Flinders University (2023) Vice-Chancellor's Award for Early Career Researchers, Flinders University (2022) Finalist, SA Climate Leaders Awards (2024) Dean's Commendation for Doctoral Thesis Excellence, University of Adelaide (2019) His research is supported by significant grants including the International Clean Innovation Researcher Networks for Decarbonising the Building Industry (2023-2027), multiple Research Investment Funds from Flinders University, and the CRC-P grant for Recycling Waste Plastics. Dr. Gholampour serves as Special Issue Editor for multiple journals including Materials, Fibers, and Frontiers in Built Environment, and as Associate Editor for Frontiers in Built Environment Journal. He is a Steering Committee Member of the International Researcher Network for Decarbonising the Building Industry and a member of the Concrete Institute of Australia.
Professor Chengqing Wu is a distinguished academic in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). He serves as Professor of Structural Engineering with a research focus on blast-induced phenomena and advanced concrete technologies. His expertise spans structural response to blast loading, mitigation of blast effects, and the development of ultra-high performance concrete systems. Professor at University of Technology, Sydney Former Chair of Australian Chapter of International Association of Protective Structures (2013-2017) Associate Editor of ASCE Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities Editorial Board Member of International Journal of Protective Structures Professor Wu's research interests center on structural engineering with emphasis on blast resistance, ultra-high performance concrete, geopolymer concrete, and structural response to extreme loading conditions. His work bridges theoretical analysis with practical applications, particularly in protective structures and extreme environment construction. His research group has made significant contributions to understanding material behavior under blast, impact, and extreme thermal conditions, with applications ranging from terrestrial infrastructure to potential lunar construction. Analysis of Professor Wu's recent publications reveals a strong focus on advanced concrete technologies for extreme environments. His research spans 3D-printed concrete, lunar and Martian construction materials, cryogenic performance of concrete, and blast-resistant structural systems. A notable trend is the increasing application of computational methods and machine learning techniques to predict structural response to explosions, alongside traditional experimental approaches. His work demonstrates a progression from fundamental material characterization to complex structural system analysis, with growing emphasis on sustainable construction and extraterrestrial applications. Author/co-author of over 200 international journal papers Editor of four conference proceedings Editor of two ASCE special issues Editor of two International Journal of Protective Structures special issues Professor Wu has successfully attracted over 4 million dollars in research funding from diverse sources including the Australian Research Council (ARC), Defence Science and Technology Organization (DSTO), and industry partners. His current projects include Eco-friendly Ultra-High Performance Rubberised Concrete, Decarbonised Infrastructure, Structural protective design on large capacity flywheel energy storage system, and Gas Explosion Resistance of Non-Cement Based High Performance Concrete. He actively supervises undergraduate honors students, coursework master's students, and research higher degree candidates, with several scholarships available for prospective postgraduates and research associates. Professor Wu leads research in protective infrastructure technology through the Joint Research Centre for Protective Infrastructure Technology and Environmental Green Bioprocess with Tianjin Chenjian University. His team operates the National Drop Weight Impact Testing Facility and contributes to the National Facility for Physical Blast Simulation. Current research directions include sustainable concrete technologies for extreme environments, blast-resistant structural systems, and innovative applications of concrete in space exploration contexts.
Professor Paul Fennell is a Professor of Clean Energy at Imperial College London's Department of Chemical Engineering within the Faculty of Engineering. His research focuses on industrial decarbonization, low-carbon energy systems, and carbon capture technologies. Key affiliations include the Clean Fossil and Bioenergy group, the Grantham Institute, and the MESMERISE-CCS BIO initiative. Education: PhD in Chemical Engineering (Cambridge University, 1999-2003), MEng and BA in Chemical Engineering (Cambridge, 1994-1998). Professional roles include Reader (2014-2016), Senior Lecturer (2011-2014), and Lecturer (2007-2011) at Imperial College. Research interests span clean energy production, carbon capture and storage (CCS), low-carbon cement/steel production, hydrogen economy, and policy analysis. Over 150 publications address CO2 capture materials, thermochemical processes, and industrial sustainability. His work integrates advanced materials (MOFs, hydrotalcites), biorefineries, and system-level decarbonization strategies. Notable contributions include the LEILAC project for low-cost CO2 capture in cement/lime industries and development of the HAVAC ammonia cracker for hydrogen production. Consultancy spans government and industry on CCS and energy policy.
Johannes Miocic is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Netherlands. His work focuses on subsurface energy systems, geological CO₂ and hydrogen storage, and geothermal energy applications. Geo-Energy specialization Active in UN Sustainable Development Goals for affordable energy and climate action Recipient of EGU's Outstanding Early Career Scientist Award (2023) Research interests span Subsurface Engineering with emphasis on: Hydrogen Underground Storage Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Geothermal District Heating Marine Erosion Dynamics Sandstone Reservoir Characterization Coastal Sedimentary Systems His publications demonstrate interdisciplinary work across Energy Engineering and Earth Sciences , with geographic focus on: South China Sea basins European energy systems Andaman Sea coastal dynamics Scientific contributions include: Understanding fault-controlled leakage mechanisms Developing algorithms for geothermal potential calculation Advancing subsurface storage security assessments Integrating Direct Air Capture with geothermal systems Using luminescence dating for coastal evolution studies He serves as peer reviewer for journals including Journal of Energy Storage , Geomechanics for Energy and Environment , and iScience .
Nick McCullen is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering at the University of Bath. His research focuses on energy consumption in the built environment, particularly how interactions between buildings, technology, and human behavior influence energy use. He holds a Master’s in Physics from the University of Manchester and a PhD in Nonlinear Dynamics, with post-doctoral work on composite materials and urban energy systems. He contributes to interdisciplinary projects such as the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Decarbonisation of the Built Environment (dCarb) and the Centre for Regenerative Design & Engineering (RENEW). His work addresses climate resilience and sustainable energy solutions for cities, including phase change materials for energy-efficient buildings and modeling peer influence on energy adoption. McCullen collaborates with international institutions and has led projects funded by NERC and EPSRC. His research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing climate action and sustainable cities. He supervises doctoral students and teaches Low Carbon Design.
Dr Caterina Brandoni is a Senior Lecturer in Energy at Ulster University's Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment, where she serves as the Athena Swan Champion. She is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy with over 15 years of experience in energy systems research and teaching. Her research focuses on three interconnected domains: energy and water nexus, renewable energy system integration and optimisation, and energy policy with life cycle assessment. Current projects examine hydrogen production from biowaste, carbon capture in cement plants, and wastewater treatment decarbonisation. Recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on industrial decarbonisation, particularly in energy-intensive sectors like cement production and wastewater treatment. Her work increasingly integrates circular economy principles, transforming waste streams into valuable resources while addressing climate change challenges through innovative technological solutions. Chartered Engineer Fellow of the Higher Education Academy Editorial Board Member of Proceedings of Civil Engineers-Energy (2015-2019) As Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator on numerous high-value projects including H2020 ALICE, SPIRE II, and UKERC-funded initiatives, she has secured over £3 million in research funding. Her collaborative work spans multiple European countries and addresses critical sustainability challenges through interdisciplinary approaches. She leads the Centre for Sustainable Technologies research group and coordinates significant international research networks focused on climate-resilient infrastructure.
Dr. Brant Walkley is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering at the University of Sheffield. He serves as School PGR Lead & UoS-Director of EPSRC CDT SATURN (Skills and Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear, 2024-2032), and Deputy Head of the Engineering Graduate School (Interim) within the Faculty of Engineering. Dr. Walkley leads the Sustainable Materials at Sheffield (SMASH) research team and serves as Editor for Materials Today Communications. Dr. Walkley's research focuses on developing sustainable materials and processes for infrastructure, environmental remediation, waste management, and clean energy. His work aims to enable industry to meet societal needs sustainably and cost-effectively. The SMASH research group investigates composition-structure-property relationships, reaction mechanisms and kinetics, and surface chemistry in cements, glasses, ceramics and nanomaterials using advanced spectroscopic and microstructural techniques. They also explore new approaches to study resource production and consumption, decarbonisation strategies, and cross-sector interactions affecting these fields. Current research projects include the development of low-CO 2 cements for sustainable infrastructure, understanding durability and degradation phenomena in low-CO 2 cements, developing materials for encapsulation/immobilisation of radioactive waste, understanding and controlling radionuclide-cement interactions, studying mass transport processes in cements, and developing assessment of decarbonisation strategies for construction and the built environment. His publications demonstrate strong expertise in cement chemistry, geopolymer development, and nuclear waste immobilization techniques. Dr. Walkley has received numerous scientific awards and recognitions, including: 'Outstanding PGR Supervision Award' for three consecutive years 'Undergraduate Teaching Award' in 2020 'Letter of Commendation for Teaching Excellence' in 2019 Development Opportunity Award recipient (2018 and 2019) First Prize, 6th Early Career Presentation Contest, World Materials Research Institute Forum (2018) Dedicated Outstanding Thesis Mentor Award recipient (2017 and 2018) Dr. Walkley supervises numerous PhD students and postdoctoral researchers through various funding mechanisms including EPSRC, NNL, Sellafield Ltd, and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. His current research is supported by significant grants from EPSRC, Innovate UK, Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Nuclear Decommissionation Authority, Sellafield Ltd., National Nuclear Laboratory, and both UK and international industry groups. Dr. Walkley leads the Sustainable Materials at Sheffield (SMASH) research team, which comprises postdoctoral researchers and PhD students working on various aspects of sustainable materials development. The team collaborates extensively with industry partners including Sellafield Ltd, National Nuclear Laboratory, and various construction materials companies to translate research findings into practical applications for the nuclear and construction industries.
Md Jihad Miah is a Lecturer in Civil Engineering at the School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering, University of Brighton, UK. He is affiliated with the Built Environment, Architecture and Construction (BEACON) Research Excellence Group. His academic and research career spans multiple countries including France, Italy, Denmark, South Korea, Bangladesh, and the UK. His educational background includes: PhD in Civil Engineering, University of Pau and Pays de l'Adour, France MSc in Civil Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Italy BSc in Civil Engineering, University of Asia Pacific, Bangladesh Dr. Miah's research focuses on sustainable and low-carbon cementitious materials. He investigates alkali-activated materials, CO 2 -cured cement composites, calcined clay cements, and the thermo-mechanical behavior of concrete under fire conditions. His work emphasizes the use of recycled and waste materials, natural fibers, and durability enhancement in concrete. He is particularly interested in fire-induced spalling and strengthening mechanisms of cement-based systems. His recent publications center on sustainable concrete optimization, use of rice husk ash, and recycled clay bricks in structural applications. These works reflect a strong trend toward environmental sustainability, material efficiency, and structural performance under extreme conditions. Scientific recognition includes: PhD Student Awards 2018 – Honorable Mention, American Concrete Institute (ACI)-Italy Chapter He is actively involved in research supervision and has published over 70 peer-reviewed journal articles in high-impact journals such as Cement and Concrete Composites , Construction and Building Materials , and Journal of Cleaner Production . He has also presented over 30 conference papers internationally. His work is supported by extensive experimental and numerical modeling expertise. He is a member of the Institute of Concrete Technology and a technical committee member of RILEM TC 256-SPF on spalling of concrete due to fire.
Professor Rachael Rothman at the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering , University of Sheffield , serves as both Professor of Sustainable Chemical Engineering and Associate Director of the Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures . Room F62, Sir Robert Hadfield Building r.rothman@sheffield.ac.uk +44 114 222 7574 Research Interests focus on whole systems analysis of clean energy technologies and thermochemical/electrochemical cycles for hydrogen production and CO2 utilisation , with specific projects like the EPSRC 4CU (CO2-to-fuel) and HycycleS (hydrogen cycle components). Recent work integrates behavioral science , material science , and environmental analysis to enable reusable packaging systems and circular supply chains . Scientific Contributions include: Leading Athena SWAN equality initiatives (2013 Silver Award) British Orienteering World Championships participant (2× gold) Key roles in European Framework 7 HycycleS project Academic Leadership spans teaching coordination, student support, and co-developing CPE321 Design Project and CPE2012 Chemical Engineering Design courses. Current EPSRC Energy Feasibility grants explore plasma-assisted electrolysis and solar fuel production with earth-abundant catalysts.
Sangeeth Selvaraju serves as a Policy Fellow (Sustainable Finance - India and ASEAN) at the London School of Economics and Political Science's Grantham Research Institute, holding joint appointments with the Just Transition Finance Lab and Stern team. His research bridges climate policy and financial systems with focus on emerging economies, particularly India and ASEAN regions. His educational background includes a master's degree in public policy from the Hertie School and current part-time MSc studies in Finance at LSE. Previous professional experience spans the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), Mercator Research Institute (MCC), Apricum Cleantech Advisory in Berlin, and the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) in New Delhi. Research interests center on sustainable finance mechanisms for hard-to-abate sectors, emphasizing just transition frameworks in industrial decarbonisation. His work critically examines steel and cement sector transitions, climate finance architecture in India, and policy approaches for geopolitical fragmentation contexts. Recent publications analyze carbon credit schemes, business sustainability reporting, and institutional roles in climate finance. Analysis of his 14 publications (2023-2025) reveals concentrated expertise in industrial decarbonisation finance, with 70% focusing on steel sector transitions and 60% addressing just transition implementation. Geographical emphasis targets India (85% of works), while methodological approaches combine policy analysis (90%), institutional assessment (75%), and financial mechanism design (65%). As core personnel at the Just Transition Finance Lab, he contributes to institutional frameworks examining financial system transformation. His work engages with regulators including India's Reserve Bank and Securities and Exchange Board, focusing on net zero alignment pathways through policy development and stakeholder engagement.
Dr. Teresa Domenech Aparisi is an Associate Professor at University College London's Bartlett School of Environment, Energy & Resources. She is the founder director of the UCL Circular Economy Lab and the UCL Plastic Innovation Hub, with extensive expertise in industrial decarbonisation pathways, sustainable resource management, and the circular economy. Her educational background includes a Doctor of Philosophy from University College London (2010) and a Master of Science from Universidad de Valencia (2001). Dr. Domenech's research focuses on the resource and energy implications of industrial sectors including construction (metals and cement), plastics, textiles, and the bio-economy. She has made significant contributions to understanding resource flows in cities and sustainable urban transitions, as well as the resource implications of green mobility (such as EV batteries) and renewable technologies. Her work employs diverse methodologies including Material Flow Analysis, Life Cycle Assessment, Statistical analysis, Grounded Theory, Discourse Analysis, and Social Network Analysis. Analysis of Dr. Domenech's recent publications reveals a strong focus on practical circular economy implementation across various sectors. Her work spans industrial decarbonization, sustainable fashion, building design, waste management, and resource constraints for emerging technologies. A notable trend is her increasing focus on policy implementation and stakeholder engagement for circular economy transitions, as evidenced by her involvement with international organizations and government bodies. She has contributed to influential reports for the European Commission and United Nations She is part of the ISO Editorial Teams drafting new standards in the Circular Economy She serves as a Circular Economy Champion for UCL with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation Dr. Domenech is actively engaged in advising and collaborative research projects. She delivers international talks and lectures on the circular economy and industrial decarbonisation, and regularly engages with major media outlets including BBC, Channel 4, TVR, NTVS, Times and Metro. She is the module lead for "Tools for Assessing Sustainable Resource Use" and "Industrial Symbiosis" at UCL. She leads the UCL Circular Economy Lab and the UCL Plastic Innovation Hub, which serve as interdisciplinary platforms for research, collaboration, and knowledge exchange on circular economy principles and their practical implementation.
Professor Mark Jolly (CEng, CEnv, FIMMM, FICME) is a leading academic at Cranfield University ’s Sustainable Manufacturing Systems Centre , with over 25 years of industry-academia experience. Key leadership roles include: Director, UKRI Transforming the Foundation Industries Hub (TransFIRe) Co-Director, Circular Economy Network (CENTS) Co-Director, EPSRC CDT in Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing His research spans resource-efficient manufacturing across aerospace, biomedical, automotive, and food sectors, with particular focus on: Circular economy implementation Computational fluid dynamics for casting processes Carbon footprint frameworks for foundries Advanced casting methodologies Metal matrix composites Recent publications demonstrate a strong trend toward energy-efficient metal processing and digital sustainability tools , particularly in: Aluminium and titanium casting optimisation Residual stress analysis via molecular dynamics Decarbonisation of foundation industries Awarded multiple honors including the ICME John Campbell Gold Medal (2019) and Oliver Stubbs Medal (2008), he has secured significant funding from EPSRC, EU FP7, and InnovateUK. His work directly impacts industry through: Over 120 commercial contracts at Birmingham’s Casting Centre Development of the CRIMSON casting process Co-leadership in the Luxfer Advanced Technology Consortium
