Professor Omar Matar is a Professor of Fluid Mechanics and RAEng/PETRONAS Research Chair in Multiphase Fluid Dynamics at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London. He leads the Matar Fluids Group, focusing on interfacial fluid mechanics, multiphase flows, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and applications in energy, manufacturing, and nanotechnology. His roles include Head of Department of Chemical Engineering, Director of the PETRONAS Centre for Engineering of Multiphase Systems (PETCEMS), and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Engineering Mathematics. Education: PhD in Chemical Engineering, Princeton University (1993) MEng Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London (1989) Research Interests: Interfacial fluid mechanics, multiphase flows, CFD, and machine learning 2D materials exfoliation and scale-up, immersive technologies (AR/VR) Applications in energy systems, nanotechnology, and personalized education Awards: Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering (2020) Recipient of the Imperial College President’s Medal (2020) EPSRC Programme Grant Principal Investigator (MEMPHIS, PREMIERE) Grants & Projects: MEMPHIS: £5M EPSRC-funded Programme Grant (2012–2017) PREMIERE: EPSRC Programme Grant (2019–present) PETCEMS: PETRONAS-funded Centre for Multiphase Systems Engineering Labs & Collaborations: Leads the Matar Fluids Group, collaborating with institutions like UCL, University of Edinburgh, and industry partners such as BP and First Light Fusion. Active in developing high-performance CFD codes (e.g., BLUE) and machine learning-driven models for multiphase systems.
Nuno Loureiro is an Associate Professor at the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering at MIT, with a secondary appointment in the Physics Department. He obtained his PhD in Physics from Imperial College London in 2005 and held postdoctoral positions at Princeton University and the UK’s Culham Centre for Fusion Energy before joining MIT in 2016. His research focuses on plasma physics , particularly theory and simulations of astrophysical and laboratory plasmas , including magnetic reconnection, turbulence, and kinetic effects. His work bridges classical plasma dynamics with emerging quantum computing applications. The 15 most recent publications highlight advancements in quantum algorithms for plasma simulations , magnetic reconnection mechanisms , and turbulence dynamics across relativistic and non-relativistic plasmas. Topics include plasmoid-mediated inverse energy transfer, data-driven fluid closures, and ion-acoustic instability impacts. 2015 Thomas H. Stix Award (American Physical Society) NSF CAREER Award
Anne BOUTIN is a Research Director at the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and Professor at the École Normale Supérieure (ENS) in Paris, France. She leads the Department of Chemistry at ENS, focusing on the thermodynamics of confined fluids and molecular simulations of porous materials like metal-organic frameworks (MIL-53, ZIF-8) and zeolites. Education: Habilitation (1999), PhD in Chemical Physics (1992), Graduate of École Normale Supérieure (1992), MSc (1990) – all from University of Paris XI, Orsay. Positions: CNRS Research Fellow (1994–2009, University of Paris XI; 2009–present, ENS), Visiting Scientist at UC Santa Barbara (1999), Postdoctoral at Imperial College London (1993–1994). Research spans thermodynamic modeling of adsorption-induced structural transitions, polarizable force fields for charged materials, fluid dynamics in nanopores, and stability analysis of flexible frameworks. Google Scholar highlights recent work on electrolyte intrusion (2023) and defect impacts in zeolites (2023). Publications emphasize computational approaches to water confinement , gas separation , and material flexibility . Her 41+ peer-reviewed articles reflect expertise in Monte Carlo , molecular dynamics , and force field development . Awards: Nathalie Demassieux PhD Award (1993) CNRS Bronze Medal (1999) Legion of Honor (2017) Teaching: Statistical thermodynamics. Students: Supervised 17 PhD/postdoc directions.
Xiaojing (Ruby) Fu is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Civil Engineering at the California Institute of Technology and a William H. Hurt Scholar (2024-present). Her research focuses on multiphase fluid mechanics in porous media, integrating theory, computation, experiments, and field observations to address geoscience and engineering challenges. Her educational background includes: B.S. in Engineering from Clarkson University (2011) M.S. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2015) Ph.D. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2017) Professor Fu's research centers on cryosphere hydrology, subsurface engineering, and phase transitions in porous media. She investigates multiphase flow dynamics in contexts like permafrost thaw, snow metamorphism, and carbon sequestration using phase-field modeling and experimental techniques. Her work bridges fundamental physics with applications in environmental resilience and energy systems, emphasizing predictive capabilities for large-scale phenomena through simplified multiscale theories. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals intense focus on cryosphere processes (snow, permafrost) using advanced phase-field modeling and fiber-optic sensing. Key trends include freezing infiltration patterns, meltwater transport in layered snow, and seismic monitoring of soil moisture. Her work increasingly integrates field validation with computational models for environmental applications like drought monitoring and carbon sequestration. Her scientific recognition includes: William H. Hurt Scholar (2024) Professor Fu actively mentors graduate students, as evidenced by qualified students in her research group. She teaches core courses including Thermal Science (ME 11 abc) and Computational Methods for Flow in Porous Media (ME/CE/Ge/ESE 146), training students in both theoretical foundations and applied techniques for subsurface flow problems. She leads the Fu Research Group on Mechanics and Physics of Porous Media Flow, which develops multiscale theories to predict large-scale environmental and energy system behaviors. The group combines mathematical modeling, laboratory experiments, and field observations to address problems in geologic carbon storage, cryosphere dynamics, and subsurface resource management, with recent emphasis on climate change impacts and monitoring technologies.
Professor Jasper van Wezel is a distinguished academic in the field of Condensed Matter Theory at the University of Amsterdam's Faculty of Science, where he serves as Professor in the Institute for Theoretical Physics (ITFA) within the Institute of Physics. With a career spanning over two decades, he has progressed from Assistant Professor (2014-2016) to Associate Professor (2016-2024) and currently holds the position of Professor since 2024. His academic journey began with a PhD in theoretical condensed matter physics from Leiden University in 2007, followed by prestigious fellowships at Argonne National Laboratory and Homerton College, Cambridge. PhD in theoretical condensed matter physics (cum laude), Leiden University, 2007 Master's diploma in theoretical condensed matter physics (cum laude), Leiden University, 2003 Dutch VWO Diploma (cum laude), Dalton Scholengemeenschap, Den Haag, 1997 US High School Diploma (cum laude), Sanford High School, Maine, USA, 1998 Professor van Wezel's research focuses on several interconnected areas within Condensed Matter Theory. His work explores competing instabilities in Charge Density Wave materials, including Superconductivity and Charge Order, Combined Charge and Orbital Order, and Transition-metal dichalcogenides. He has made significant contributions to Topology in Condensed Matter, particularly examining the Role of crystal symmetries and Topology in non-Hermitian systems. A major theme in his research involves investigating the Connections between Quantum and Classical behaviour, with special emphasis on Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking both in equilibrium (The role of the Thin Spectrum) and dynamically (Spontaneous loss of Unitarity). Analysis of Professor van Wezel's recent publications reveals a strong focus on quantum phenomena in condensed matter systems, with particular attention to topological aspects, symmetry breaking, and connections to fundamental physics concepts like black hole thermodynamics. His work often bridges theoretical concepts with potential experimental realizations, as evidenced by studies on electron patterns in materials like TaS2 and theoretical frameworks for understanding quantum phase transitions. Bristol Physics Teaching Award (2014) Students' Award for Outstanding Teaching (2014) Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (2014) Aneesur Rahman Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory (2010-2012) Junior Research Fellowship at Homerton College, Cambridge (2007-2010) Physics 'Discovery of the year' by Leiden University Physics department (2005) 'Onderwijsprijs Natuurkunde' teaching award (2004/2005) Professor van Wezel has secured numerous research grants including an ENW-M grant (2023), an ENW-Groot project with Leiden University (2021), and a prestigious VIDI personal grant from NWO (2014). He has supervised over 50 students at various levels, including PhD candidates, MSc students, and BSc students, fostering the next generation of physicists. His leadership extends to organizing conferences, serving on PhD committees, and holding administrative roles such as chair of the educational committee for the Dutch Research School in Theoretical Physics. His research group at the University of Amsterdam's Institute for Theoretical Physics maintains active collaborations with institutions worldwide, including Leiden University, University of Cambridge, University of Bristol, and research centers in France, Germany, and Poland. The group's work combines analytical theoretical approaches with computational methods to tackle fundamental questions in quantum condensed matter physics.
Professor Jorge Eduardo Pinto Santos holds the position of Professor of Theoretical Physics at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP) at the University of Cambridge. His career includes roles as Reader (2018–2022), Lecturer (2013–2018), and a Junior Visiting Professorship at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton (2019–2020). He completed his Ph.D. at DAMTP between 2006 and 2010, followed by postdoctoral fellowships at Stanford University (2013–2014) and the University of California, Santa Barbara (2010–2013). His research focuses on general relativity, quantum gravity, and gravitational aspects of string theory. Key areas include numerical relativity and applications of general relativity to condensed matter physics via holography. Notable contributions involve studies on black hole binaries, extremal black holes, and the AdS/CFT correspondence. His recent work explores topics such as spinning black binaries in de Sitter space, gravitational instabilities in anti-de Sitter space, and entanglement islands in higher dimensions. He is affiliated with the High Energy Physics and Relativity and Gravitation research groups at DAMTP. His advising record includes seven doctoral students, with ongoing supervision of William Boyce (2024–present) and John Crump (2021–present). Publications highlight interdisciplinary advances, including investigations into black hole thermodynamics, cosmic censorship violations, and holographic models of condensed matter systems. His research bridges fundamental physics and numerical methods, addressing both theoretical and applied questions in gravitational physics.
Professor Michael S. Triantafyllou serves as the Henry L. and Grace Doherty Professor in Ocean Science and Engineering and Professor of Mechanical and Ocean Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He also directs MIT Sea Grant, a significant research center focused on ocean-related science and engineering. His work bridges multiple disciplines within mechanical and ocean engineering, with a strong emphasis on biomimetic approaches to underwater systems. Triantafyllou's research focuses on biomimetic ocean robots and sensors, flow-structure interaction, and the dynamics and control of ocean vehicles. His work in experimental fluid mechanics has led to groundbreaking developments in understanding how marine animals move and sense their environment, which he applies to create innovative underwater technologies. His research spans from fundamental fluid dynamics to practical applications in underwater robotics and sensing systems. His publications reveal a strong emphasis on vortex-induced vibrations, biomimetic sensing inspired by marine animals (particularly harbor seals and fish), and the development of novel underwater propulsion systems. His research shows consistent innovation in applying biological principles to engineering solutions for underwater vehicles and sensing systems. Fellow, American Physical Society, 2014 Aurel Stodola Medal and Lecture 'Biomimetic survival hydrodynamics and sensing', ETH Zurich, May 2014 William I. Koch Professor of Marine Technology (2008 - 2017) Discover Magazine Awards for Technological Innovation (1998) Work on Robotic Tuna featured on cover of Scientific American (March 1995) As Director of MIT Sea Grant and previously as Director of the Center for Ocean Engineering (2005-2017), Triantafyllou has led significant research initiatives and secured substantial funding for ocean-related research. His work with the Towing Tank Facility (which he has directed since 1988) and Propeller Tunnel Facility has supported numerous research projects in marine hydrodynamics. Triantafyllou's laboratory work focuses on biomimetic ocean technologies, particularly robotic systems inspired by marine animals. His famous RoboTuna project has been exhibited at major museums worldwide and represents a landmark achievement in biomimetic underwater robotics.
Laurent Mydlarski is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at McGill University, affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering. His research focuses on experimental fluid mechanics, particularly turbulent flows and scalar mixing. He holds a Ph.D. from Cornell University and B.A.Sc. from the University of Waterloo. Research interests include turbulence statistics, scalar dispersion, differential diffusion, and industrial cooling applications such as hydroelectric generators and microelectronics. His work combines experimental methods like hot-wire anemometry, laser-induced fluorescence, and particle-tracking velocimetry. Key contributions include studies on multi-scalar mixing in jets, wall shear stress in turbulent flows, and thermal anemometry probe design. His Mydlarski Lab at McGill explores both fundamental fluid dynamics and practical engineering solutions. Recent publications (2023-2025) address multi-scalar mixing metrics, electronic cooling innovations, and drag reduction on porous cylinders. Collaborations with industry focus on applying fluid mechanics principles to real-world thermal management challenges.
Dr. Lixin Cheng is a Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at the Department of Engineering and Mathematics, Sheffield Hallam University, where he contributes to teaching core modules such as Transport Phenomena and oversees the chemical engineering program. His research focuses on multiphase flow and heat transfer, including enhanced heat transfer technologies, nanofluids, and carbon capture systems. He has held academic roles globally, including at Aarhus University, EPFL, and Xi'an Jiaotong University, and has extensive industry experience as a design engineer. Dr. Cheng is an Alexander von Humboldt Fellow and serves as editor-in-chief for multiple journals, including the International Journal of Microscale and Nanoscale Thermal & Fluid Transport Phenomena . Education: PhD in Thermal Energy Engineering (Xi'an Jiaotong University, 1998), followed by postdoctoral and research roles at leading institutions. His interdisciplinary research spans oil-gas-water systems, sustainable energy, and thermal energy management. He has authored over 80 papers and 8 books, with a focus on advancing thermal-fluid science and engineering applications. Research interests include gas-liquid two-phase flow dynamics, flow boiling/condensation, microchannel heat transfer, and CO₂-based thermal systems. His work bridges experimental studies, computational modeling, and industrial collaborations, addressing challenges in energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Key contributions include editorial leadership in thermal-fluid journals, organizing international conferences (e.g., ISTFD), and developing predictive models for flow boiling in microchannels. His recent publications (2021–2025) emphasize green hydrogen systems, supercritical CO₂ applications, and heat transfer enhancement in microscale systems. Awards: Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship (2000–present). Grants and collaborations include partnerships with international universities and industry players, focusing on thermal-fluid innovation. Labs/Teams: Active in Sheffield Hallam's Engineering and Mathematics Department, leading interdisciplinary research in multiphase systems and sustainable energy solutions.
Daria Frank is a Senior Teaching Associate in Computational Mathematics at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP), University of Cambridge, a position held since 2023. Previously, she served as Sultan Qaboos Early-Career Research Fellow and College Lecturer in Mathematics at Corpus Christi College (2020-2023), Director of Studies in Mathematics at Selwyn College (2019-2020), and Research Associate in Fluid Mechanics at DAMTP (2015-2019). Her academic foundation includes a PhD from DAMTP, University of Cambridge (2012-2015), Part III Mathematical Tripos at Cambridge (2009-2010), Diploma in Mathematics from Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (2010-2011), and undergraduate studies in Mathematics and Physics at the same institution (2006-2009). Dr. Frank's research centers on complex fluid phenomena with emphasis on buoyancy-driven environmental flows , rotating plume dynamics , and practical engineering applications . Her work investigates pollution dispersal mechanisms, tornado formation processes, and energy-efficient building systems through rigorous theoretical and experimental frameworks. Key contributions address multiphase interactions in stratified environments and vortex behavior under rotational forces, bridging fundamental fluid dynamics with real-world environmental challenges. Publication trends reveal consistent focus on geophysical and environmental fluid mechanics, with recurring themes of density stratification effects, multiphase plume behavior, and rotational influences across atmospheric, oceanic, and built environments. Her work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary connections between theoretical modeling and practical engineering solutions. Dr. Frank held the prestigious Sultan Qaboos Early-Career Research Fellowship, supporting her investigations into fluid mechanics phenomena. Her academic service includes significant teaching responsibilities as Director of Studies in Mathematics at Corpus Christi College. As Director of Studies, she oversees undergraduate mathematics education while conducting research within DAMTP's fluid dynamics community. Her Sultan Qaboos Fellowship provided dedicated research time for fluid mechanics investigations, complementing her teaching role through integration of cutting-edge research into pedagogy. Current work continues to explore environmental fluid dynamics with potential applications in climate modeling and sustainable engineering.
Prof. Dr. Mirko Hornung is a Professor of Aircraft Design at the TUM School of Engineering and Design, Technische Universität München. His research focuses on conceptual aircraft design, integration of propulsion systems, and evaluation of aviation technologies in operational contexts. Education and Career: PhD in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of the Bundeswehr (2003), awarded a research prize for work on reusable space transport systems. 2003–2009: Worked at Airbus Group (EADS) on military air systems, propulsion integration, and program management. Executive Director of Research & Technology at Bauhaus Luftfahrt, a think tank for long-term aviation developments. Research Interests: Aircraft design optimization, including hybrid energy systems, electric propulsion, and UAV technologies. Environmental sustainability in aviation, such as hydrogen-powered aircraft and lifecycle assessment. Aerodynamic and structural analysis, including flutter suppression and composite materials. Key Publications Highlight Trends: Focus on hybrid-electric and hydrogen propulsion for reducing environmental impact. Advancements in UAV design, including morphing wings and autonomous systems. Integration of AI-driven tools for propulsion optimization and lifecycle analysis. Scientific Awards: EADS Promotion Award (1995) Research Prize for Thesis on Reusable Space Transport Systems (2003) Advising & Grants: Directs research at Bauhaus Luftfahrt, collaborating on future aviation concepts. Engaged in interdisciplinary projects like FLEXOP UAV demonstrator and Ce-Liner eMobility studies. Labs/Teams: Active in the Aircraft Design Professorship at TUM and leadership roles at Bauhaus Luftfahrt, focusing on next-generation aviation technologies.
Christophe Ancey is an Associate Professor at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where he serves in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC), specifically in the Institute of Civil Engineering (IIC) and the Environmental Hydraulics Laboratory (LHE). He also holds teaching appointments in SGC-Teaching and EDME-Teaching departments at EPFL. His office is located at GC A1 401, Station 18, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland. Dr. Ancey holds both a PhD and engineering degree from Ecole Centrale de Paris and Grenoble National Polytechnic Institute. After completing his doctoral work (1994-1997) on rheology of granular flows under Pierre Evesque, he worked as a researcher at Cemagref before joining EPFL in 2004. He directs the Environmental Hydraulics Laboratory and serves as associate editor for Water Resources Research, a leading journal in hydrology. Dr. Ancey's research spans fluid dynamics, rheology, and hydraulics with emphasis on geophysical flows and natural hazards. His work focuses on three interconnected themes: rheology of concentrated suspensions (particularly granular flows in avalanches and mudflows), inverse problems in rheology (determining microscopic behavior from macroscopic measurements), and particle entrainment in turbulent suspensions (erosion and sediment transport processes). His recent publications (2022-2025) demonstrate continued innovation in sediment transport modeling, experimental techniques like PIV for complex flows, and integration of machine learning approaches. The research shows progression from fundamental fluid mechanics to practical applications in natural hazard assessment and river engineering, with particular attention to granular segregation, avalanche-obstacle interactions, and river morphodynamics. Associate Editor, Water Resources Research Co-founder of Toraval, an engineering consulting firm specializing in avalanche risk management Dr. Ancey teaches courses on Fluid Mechanics, Flood and Dam Break Waves, Hydrological Risks and Structures, and Similarity and Transport Phenomena in Fluids. He has supervised numerous PhD students whose work spans environmental hydraulics, granular flows, and sediment transport, with current students including Chen Yanan, Farazande Sofi, and Giboulot Axel Loïc among others.
Beverley J. McKeon is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University, previously holding the Theodore von Kármán Professorship in Aeronautics at Caltech. Her research focuses on fluid mechanics, particularly turbulence, flow control, and boundary layer dynamics. She earned her B.A. and M.Eng. from the University of Cambridge, and her Ph.D. from Princeton University. McKeon's work integrates experimental and theoretical approaches to manipulate wall-bounded flows for drag reduction and performance enhancement. Her research interests include resolvent analysis, high Reynolds number turbulence, and the application of machine learning to fluid dynamics. She has led interdisciplinary projects on morphing surfaces and viscoelastic turbulence. Awarded the Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellowship and PECASE, McKeon has been recognized for her teaching and mentoring. Her honors include Fellowships from the APS and AIAA. She chairs editorial boards for journals like Physical Review Fluids and has served on national committees for theoretical and applied mechanics. Her academic leadership includes roles as Deputy Chair of Caltech’s Division of Engineering and Applied Science and Associate Director of GALCIT. She advises numerous students and collaborates globally on initiatives like the Stories of Women in Fluids.
N.K. Anand is a Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University, holding the James J. Cain III Regents Professorship. He leads research in advanced computational methods and thermal-hydraulic systems, with affiliations to Multidisciplinary Engineering and Nuclear Engineering programs. His work focuses on physics-informed machine learning, finite volume methods, and aerosol transport in nuclear reactor contexts. Education: PhD (Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, 1983), M.S. (Kansas State University, 1979), and B.E. (Bangalore University, 1978). Awards include the ASME James Harry Potter Gold Medal (2020) and multiple teaching/administrative excellence awards from Texas A&M. Research emphasizes fluid dynamics modeling (e.g., PINNs for periodic flows, turbulent deposition studies), heat pipe systems, and nuclear reactor thermal-hydraulics. His Versatile Test Reactor (VTR) contributions include cartridge loop designs and aerosol transport experiments. Active in high-temperature reactor safety, with facilities studying pebble beds, helical coil exchangers, and HTGR upper plenum dynamics. Publications span physics-informed ML applications, finite volume techniques, and nuclear thermal systems. Grants supported development of advanced CFD tools and reactor safety infrastructure. His lab collaborates on international nuclear energy projects and emerging AI-driven simulation methodologies.
Assoc Prof Ng Teng Yong is an Associate Professor at the School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (NTU), specializing in numerical modeling and simulation. With a background as Research Manager at A*STAR Institute of High Performance Computing, his work spans materials science, nanotechnology, and aerospace engineering. Current focus on graphene-based desalination membranes Expertise in molecular dynamics simulations Investigates nanoscale fluid mechanics and structural dynamics Recent publications highlight advancements in energy-efficient electrodialysis, smart robotics, and nonlinear vibration analysis. His interdisciplinary approach integrates computational methods with experimental validation in additive manufacturing and soft material mechanics.
