Prof. Dr. Seval Sözen is a Professor of Environmental Engineering at Istanbul Technical University, leading the Department of Environmental Engineering since 2002. Her academic career includes roles as Head of Department (2006–2009), Vice Dean (2004–2007), and co-founder of ENVIS Environmental and Energy Systems R&D (2008). She holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering from ITU (1995) and has been a member of key organizations like the International Association on Water Quality and Turkish National Committee for Water Pollution Research and Control. Her research focuses on Clean Production Technologies, Biotechnology, Waste Management, and Water/Wastewater Treatment. Notable contributions include hydrodynamic modeling for marine pollution (Golden Horn, Bosphorus), optimization of activated sludge processes, and sustainable energy recovery from wastewater. She has pioneered studies on textile wastewater treatment, landfill leachate management, and climate-resilient water policies for Istanbul. Her work integrates experimental and modeling approaches, emphasizing environmental sustainability. Over 200+ publications span advanced oxidation, membrane bioreactors, and policy frameworks for water quality in sensitive regions. She actively collaborates on EU-funded projects like enviroGRIDS, linking Earth observation to environmental policy.
Professor Martin Trusler is a Professor of Thermophysics in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London, within the Faculty of Engineering. His affiliations include the Clean Fossil and Bioenergy Group, Energy Futures Lab, Institute for Molecular Science and Engineering, and Thermophysics Laboratory. He holds a BSc (1st class honours) and PhD in Physical Chemistry from University College London (1977–1984). His career spans over three decades at Imperial College, progressing from Lecturer (1988) to Senior Lecturer (1995) before his current professorial role since 2001. Research interests focus on thermophysical properties of fluids, particularly in carbon capture, hydrogen storage, and energy systems. Key areas include phase behavior of CO2 and hydrogen mixtures, interfacial properties of reservoir minerals, and fluid dynamics under extreme conditions. His work integrates experimental measurements with computational modeling to improve understanding of energy and environmental processes. Publications emphasize experimental methodologies and theoretical frameworks for fluid behavior, with recent emphasis on CO2 mineralization, hydrogen infrastructure, and subsurface storage solutions. His contributions address challenges in climate mitigation technologies and energy transition systems. Labs/Teams: Active in the Thermophysics Laboratory and collaborates with interdisciplinary groups at Energy Futures Lab and the Institute for Molecular Science and Engineering. His research supports industrial partnerships in clean energy innovation.
Karsten Schulz is a Professor in the Department of Hydrology and Water Management at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Vienna. His research focuses on hydrological processes in alpine environments, remote sensing applications, and machine learning-driven environmental modeling. He leads studies on snow cover dynamics, groundwater recharge, and the integration of big data into hydrological systems analysis. Teaching responsibilities include courses on geoecology, hydrology, and uncertainties in water flow modeling. His research emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining field observations with advanced computational methods to address challenges in climate change, water resource management, and sustainable agriculture. Recent work highlights include regional-scale assessments of Austrian water balance components, the application of superconducting gravimeters for snowpack monitoring, and the development of machine learning models for soil hydraulic property prediction. He collaborates internationally on projects involving transboundary hydrology and agricultural sustainability in East Africa. Consultation hours are held weekly (except cancellations), and his lab (iHYWA) focuses on hydrological innovation for environmental resilience. Research outputs span over 50 peer-reviewed articles since 2018, addressing topics from snow hydrology to AI-driven water temperature forecasting.
Saul Rodriguez Duenas is a Professor at the Division of Electronics and Embedded Systems, part of the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. Previously, he held an Associate Professor position at KTH. He obtained his B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from the Army Polytechnic School (ESPE) in Ecuador, followed by M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in System-on-Chip Design and Electronic and Computer Systems from KTH. He also holds a Docent title in Integrated Devices and Circuits from KTH. His research focuses on low-power RF, analog/mixed-signal ICs for wireless applications, biomedical systems, and energy harvesting. He is the founder of ElinTronics AB, a consulting firm specializing in embedded systems and mixed-signal ASICs. Rodriguez teaches multiple courses at KTH, including Analog Electronics, Analog Integrated Circuits, and RF Integrated Circuit Design. His work spans over 90 publications in peer-reviewed journals and conferences, with a strong emphasis on biomedical circuits, energy-efficient systems, and sensor technologies. He has contributed to patents in implantable sensors and health monitoring systems.
Jun Zhu is a Professor of Physics at the Pennsylvania State University, affiliated with the Eberly College of Science and the Department of Physics. His research focuses on exploring electronic properties of low-dimensional materials, particularly graphene and van der Waals heterostructures. He leads the Zhu Lab, which investigates quantum phenomena in 2D systems using advanced nanofabrication and low-temperature transport techniques. Education: B.S. in Physics from the University of Science and Technology of China (1996), Ph.D. in Physics from Columbia University (2003). Awards include the NSF CAREER Award (2008-2013) and Fellow of the American Physical Society (2020). Research interests include quantum Hall effects, topological edge states, valleytronics, and device engineering of layered materials. The lab employs van der Waals stacking, interface engineering, and magnetic field studies to uncover novel electronic phases. Recent work highlights include discoveries in high-temperature quantum valley Hall effects and fractional quantum Hall states in bilayer graphene. Advising: Supervised over 20 graduate students and postdocs, including Dr. Ke Huang (Stanford postdoc), Dr. Cequn Li (Cornell postdoc), and Dr. Hailong Fu (Zhejiang University faculty). Active in recruiting REU students and maintaining collaborations across institutions. Labs/Teams: Operates facilities in Davey Lab and Osmond Lab, with state-of-the-art instrumentation for nanoscale device fabrication and cryogenic measurements. Serves as Associate Editor of Nano Letters (2023-present).
Dr. S. Vanapalli is an Associate Professor in the Energy Materials Systems department at the University of Twente, specializing in cryogenics, heat transfer, and microcooling technologies. With over 920 Scopus citations and a 16 h-index, their research focuses on cryogenic systems, phase change materials, and thermal management solutions for biomedical and industrial applications. Research Highlights: Developed cryogen-free snap-freezing devices for tissue preservation Innovated gas-gap heat switches for thermal control systems Investigated Leidenfrost dynamics in liquid nitrogen and dry ice systems Optimized microchannel cooling architectures with isotropically etched pillars Explored additive manufacturing applications in cryogenic components Scientific Impact: Vanapalli's recent work spans cryogenic cold chain logistics, direct-contact freeze concentration, and sublimation temperature modeling. Their research bridges fundamental thermodynamic studies with practical applications in pharmaceuticals and precision oncology, with recent emphasis on eliminating sacrificial cryogens in biomedical freezing protocols.
Julian Gardner is a Professor of Electronic Engineering at the University of Warwick's School of Engineering, leading the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Discipline Stream. He holds a First in Physics from Birmingham University, a PhD in Physical Electronics from Cambridge, and a DSc in Electronic Engineering from Warwick. His 30-year career includes 5 years in industry as an R&D Engineer and extensive research in chemical microsensors, founding companies like Cambridge CMOS Sensors (sold to ams in 2016) and spin-offs Flusso Ltd and Sorex Sensor Ltd. His expertise spans MEMS-based sensors, signal processing, and AI-driven data analysis. Research interests include chemical/environmental microsensors, MEMS devices, smart systems, electronic noses/tongues, and biomedical engineering. He teaches ES434 (ASICs, MEMS, and Smart Devices) and has authored 10 books, 500+ papers, and 20+ patents. Awards include the Royal Society Mullard Award and Fellowships from IET, IEEE, and the Royal Academy of Engineering. Education: B.Sc. (Hons) Physics, University of Birmingham Ph.D. Physical Electronics, University of Cambridge D.Sc. Electronic Engineering, University of Warwick Research Highlights: Electronic noses for healthcare and environmental monitoring CMOS-integrated gas sensors MEMS thermal flow sensors AI-driven sensor data analysis Awards: Royal Society Mullard Award (2018) IET & IEEE Fellowships Grants/Projects: Development of low-cost air quality monitoring systems Smart city IoT sensor networks Prostate cancer detection via lab-on-a-chip His labs include collaborations on particle sensing, thermal modulation techniques, and biomimetic systems. Ongoing work focuses on edge AI for real-time environmental sensing and wearable health monitoring devices.
Virginia Toy is a Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, leading the Tectonics and Structural Geology research team. Her work focuses on understanding fault zone dynamics, crustal deformation, and the mechanics of active tectonic systems. She is deeply involved in interdisciplinary projects such as the Deep Fault Drilling Project (DFDP) and the DIVE initiative, which explore fault zone architecture and seismic processes in regions like the Alpine Fault (New Zealand) and the Ivrea-Verbano Zone (Italy). Her research interests span structural geology, geophysics, and earthquake mechanics. Key areas include fault zone rheology, pseudotachylyte formation, fluid-rock interactions, and the application of advanced imaging techniques (e.g., X-ray tomography) to study rock properties at multiple scales. She has contributed to understanding the geothermal conditions and fluid dynamics within active plate boundaries, such as the Alpine Fault, which is a critical site for studying earthquake processes. Virginia Toy’s recent publications highlight her focus on resolving the structural and mechanical complexities of crustal faults, including studies of ultramafic rocks, carbonation processes, and the integration of laboratory experiments with field observations. Her work bridges traditional field geology with cutting-edge analytical methods, offering insights into how deformation localizes and propagates within the Earth’s crust. Her educational contributions include advancing virtual field trip methodologies and digital tools for structural geology education, emphasizing the use of gamification and GIS databases to enhance data accessibility and collaboration.
Associate Professor John Pye leads research in high-temperature solar-thermal systems and industrial decarbonisation at the Australian National University's School of Engineering. He holds a BE/BSc (University of Melbourne) and a PhD (University of New South Wales) focused on solar thermal modelling. His work bridges engineering innovation and sustainability, with a focus on green steel production, CSP technologies, and hydrogen applications. As a Visiting Scholar at Sandia National Laboratories, he advanced solar thermal testing methodologies. Educations: Bachelor of Engineering (Mech.) and Bachelor of Science (University of Melbourne, 1997) PhD in System Modelling of Compact Linear Fresnel Reflectors (UNSW, 2008) His research interests include solar thermal energy systems, concentrated solar power (CSP), and hydrogen-based industrial processes. Notable contributions include system-level optimisation of CSP plants, techno-economic analysis of green steel production, and solar-thermal beneficiation of iron ore. His work often integrates AI for optimisation and free/open-source engineering software. Recent publications focus on solar thermal applications in steelmaking, particle-based CSP systems, and hydrogen plasma metallurgy. Projects include the Gen3 Liquids Pathway for CSP and solar-driven thermochemical processes. Collaborations span industry and academia, addressing decarbonisation challenges in steel production and energy storage. Supervises research in solar thermal engineering and low-carbon technologies, contributing to Australia's role in zero-emissions commodity production. Active in policy submissions related to green energy and manufacturing frameworks.
Davide Dalmazzo is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environment, Land and Infrastructure Engineering (DIATI) at Politecnico di Torino, Italy. He specializes in Roads, Railways, and Airports (SSD ICAR/04) and serves as the technical manager of teaching and research activities for asphalt binders at the High Quality Experimental Laboratory of Innovative and Recycled Materials for Civil Engineering Infrastructures. He has been affiliated with Politecnico di Torino since his post-doctoral research (2009–2014), progressing from Assistant Professor (2014–2017) to his current role. His research is centered on sustainable and innovative materials for transportation infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on asphalt technology, recycling, and rheology. Key areas include: Characterization and modeling of bituminous materials Use of recycled plastics and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) Development of sustainable pavement solutions Rheological testing and performance modeling of binders and mixtures Low-temperature behavior and fracture resistance of asphalt His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on circular economy principles in pavement engineering, particularly through projects like Green Roads, which explores plastic-modified asphalt. He frequently employs advanced testing methods such as the Monotonic Torsional Loading (MTL) test and contributes to RILEM standardization efforts. His work bridges laboratory research with practical applications in road construction and maintenance. Scientific contributions include: Co-inventor of a national patent on workability testing equipment for asphalt and granular materials Active participation in competitive and commercial research projects Regular publication in high-impact journals such as Construction and Building Materials , Materials , and Road Materials and Pavement Design Davide Dalmazzo advises several PhD students, including Davide Cimenti, Aliasghar Akbari Nasrekani, Joseph Nicolas La Macchia, and previously Sadegh Yeganeh. He is also involved in multiple research grants and contracts, particularly those focused on sustainable materials and infrastructure resilience. He leads or contributes to teaching in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs in Civil Engineering, with courses on pavement engineering, rheology, and infrastructure maintenance. He is a key member of the Interdepartmental Center SISCON, focusing on infrastructure safety. He is actively engaged in laboratory research and leads experimental efforts in innovative material development, particularly for rural and low-volume roads. His work supports UN Sustainable Development Goals 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and 13 (Climate Action).
Professor Geoff Smith is a leading academic in Pharmaceutical Process Analytical Technology at De Montfort University, affiliated with the Leicester School of Pharmacy and the Pharmaceutical Technologies research group. He holds a PhD from the University of Brighton and a BPharm from the University of Bath, and has been instrumental in advancing freeze-drying and process analytical technologies. His research expertise lies in developing and applying novel sensing technologies for pharmaceutical manufacturing. Key areas include freeze-drying process development, impedance and dielectric spectroscopy, terahertz imaging, dynamic laser speckle, and electrostatic measurements for powder flow analysis. His work is strongly industry-oriented, focusing on enhancing process understanding and control through real-time, non-invasive monitoring. The recent publications highlight a strong trend in the application of Through-Vial Impedance Spectroscopy (TVIS) for lyophilization process optimization. Research spans from fundamental studies on ice nucleation and glass transition to practical applications in micro-collapse detection, heat transfer coefficient calculation, and container compatibility. There is also significant work on terahertz-based characterization of crystallinity and microneedle penetration, indicating a broader interest in advanced spectroscopic and imaging techniques for pharmaceutical quality assurance. Scientific Awards and Recognition: While specific awards are not listed in the provided text, his extensive publication record, multiple patents, and leadership in Innovate UK-funded projects reflect high recognition in his field. Professor Smith has successfully secured substantial research funding from Innovate UK and the Technology Strategy Board, including grants such as EXTALcoat, FastLyo, AtlasBio, BioStaRT, and LyoDEA, involving collaborations with industry leaders like GEA, AstraZeneca, and Sanofi. He has supervised numerous PhD projects and plays a key role in teaching Pharmaceutical Quality by Design and Good Manufacturing Practice. He leads the Pharmaceutical Technologies group, which he restructured to include chemists, physicists, and engineers, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to solving current pharmaceutical challenges. Laboratories and Research Groups: He leads the Pharmaceutical Technologies research group at DMU, which focuses on developing and applying advanced analytical techniques like TVIS, terahertz spectroscopy, and laser speckle imaging for pharmaceutical process understanding and control. The group operates at the intersection of pharmaceutical science, engineering, and material science, with a strong emphasis on industrial collaboration and technology transfer.
Professor Bill Lee is the Sêr Cymru Professor of Materials for Extreme Environments at Bangor University's School of Computing and Engineering. His research focuses on advanced nuclear materials, including ceramic composites, high-temperature alloys, and burnable absorbers for reactor applications. He leads projects on nuclear fuel development, waste management, and extreme environment material behavior. Research Interests: Nuclear fuel cycle optimization Materials for high-temperature reactors Radiation-resistant ceramics Grain boundary engineering Thermal-hydraulic modeling Key Projects: Energy Institute at Bangor University (2017-2024) Boiling Water Reactor Research Hub Network (2016-2019) Scientific Contributions: Over 50 peer-reviewed articles on materials science, nuclear engineering, and energy systems. Notable work includes studies on uranium carbide oxidation, lithium accommodation in zirconia, and refractory alloy coatings.
Dr Carl Anthony is a Senior Lecturer and Head of Education in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Birmingham, within the School of Engineering. He has been a key figure in microsystems research and education since joining the university in 2006. Educational Background: BSc (Hons) in Physics with Optoelectronics, University of Surrey, 1993 PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Newcastle University, 2006 His research focuses on Microsystems Engineering , particularly microsensors, energy harvesting, nonlinear resonators, and bio-MEMS tactile sensors. His work bridges fundamental physics with practical engineering applications, especially in autonomous sensing systems. He has pioneered research in Focused Ion Beam microfabrication and wireless sensor powering solutions. The recent publications highlight a consistent trajectory in MEMS and microfabrication technologies , with increasing emphasis on bio-integrated sensors, energy autonomy, and advanced characterization techniques. His work spans materials, devices, and system-level integration, demonstrating interdisciplinary depth. Scientific Awards: EPSRC First Grant (2010) for developing a battery-less clockwork energy harvester for in-wheel tyre pressure sensors Carl Anthony is actively involved in research funding and supervision. He has secured competitive grants such as the EPSRC award and supervises PhD students in areas including micro energy harvesters, coupled resonators, and micro-vacuum systems. He is a member of the Energy Harvesting Network and collaborates with European consortia on bio-MEMS projects. He leads research in the MicroEngineering Group , where his team investigates dynamic behavior of micro-resonators, fabrication-induced material damage, and novel sensor architectures. The group leverages advanced tools like FIB and SEM for nanoscale engineering and characterization.
Dr. Thomas Gennett is a University Professor at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) within the Chemistry and Nanoscience department. His career spans over two decades, focusing on advanced materials for energy applications, particularly hydrogen storage and carbon dioxide capture technologies. Research interests include hydrogen storage in nanoporous materials Development of covalent organic frameworks Investigations into borohydride chemistry Gas separation and storage systems Thermal stability of magnesium-based compounds Direct air CO2 capture materials His publications from 2016 to 2025 demonstrate expertise in metal-organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, and borohydride systems. While no formal awards are publicly documented, his work has been cited over 250 times. He holds multiple patents related to hydrogen storage and electrochemical devices.
Professor Bruce Drinkwater is a Professor of Ultrasonics at the University of Bristol, affiliated with the School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering. He holds academic qualifications including a B.Eng. and Ph.D. from the University of London. His research focuses on ultrasonics, acoustic metamaterials, particle manipulation, and non-destructive evaluation, with applications in biomedical engineering, fluid dynamics, and mechanical systems. He has pioneered advancements in acoustic tweezers, levitation systems, and defect detection using ultrasonic arrays. Key research interests include the development of acoustic metamaterials for wave manipulation, optimization of ultrasonic imaging techniques, and the exploration of acoustophoretic displays. His work extends to biomedical applications such as tissue engineering and drug delivery via acoustic patterning. Recent publications demonstrate innovations in particle control, high-temperature material processing, and the integration of ultrasonic systems with robotics for pipeline inspection. Professor Drinkwater collaborates with researchers like Dr. Alexander Velichko and Dr. Jie Zhang on projects involving robotics, sensor technology, and structural health monitoring. His contributions have advanced both theoretical and applied aspects of ultrasonics, bridging the gap between fundamental research and real-world engineering challenges. No specific awards are mentioned, but his extensive publication record reflects significant scholarly impact. He advises on projects related to acoustics and mechanical engineering, though no named students are listed. His work includes the development of robots with integrated ultrasonic sensors for neurosurgery and pipeline inspection, showcasing interdisciplinary collaboration. Current initiatives involve improving ultrasonic array performance and exploring the biomedical effects of ultrasound on neuronal function.
