Caterina Ducati is a Professor of Nanomaterials at the Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy, University of Cambridge. Her research focuses on nanomaterials, their structure-property relationships, and applications in energy technologies, particularly photovoltaics, photocatalysis, and optoelectronics. Research Interests: In situ electron microscopy of nanomaterials under external stimuli (electrical, thermal, photonic), growth mechanisms of nanostructures (carbon nanotubes, semiconductor nanowires), and degradation processes in energy devices. Methodologies: Advanced characterization via HAADF STEM, TEM, and development of tools for real-time nanoscale observation. Recent publications highlight her work on perovskite solar cells, battery materials (Li, Zn, Na-ion), and ferroelectric thin films. She actively investigates degradation mechanisms in energy devices and develops novel fabrication techniques for nanocomposites. Scientific Recognition: A&B Post-doctoral Fellowship winners (institutional award) She supervises research groups utilizing the Wolfson Electron Microscopy Suite and contributes to interdisciplinary collaborations in materials for sustainability and healthcare applications.
Cheuk Wai Tai is a Senior Staff Researcher at Stockholm University's Department of Environmental and Materials Chemistry since 2009. He manages the transmission electron microscopes and sample preparation equipment at the Electron Microscopy Center and serves as Section Editor for the Journal of Electronic Materials. His work focuses on quantitative structure characterization in functional materials research, particularly within nanoscience and nanotechnology contexts. Education: Ph.D. in Applied Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 2004 M.Phil. in Applied Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 2001 M.Sc. in Physics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1998 B.Sc. (Hons) in Engineering Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 1997 Dip. in Mechanical Engineering (Computer Aided Engineering), Institute of Vocational Education (formerly Haking Wong Technical Institute), Hong Kong, 1992 His research centers on structure-property relationships in functional materials through advanced electron microscopy techniques. Current specializations include Pair Distribution Function (ePDF) & Diffuse Scattering, Energy Materials characterization, and EM sample preparation methodology development. The group maintains strong focus on translating structural data into functional performance metrics for nanomaterials. Recent publications (2013-2019) demonstrate consistent emphasis on electron microscopy applications for energy storage materials (batteries, photocatalysts) and functional ceramics. Key trends include structural disorder analysis in piezoelectrics, development of quantitative TEM methods like SUePDF, and nanoscale characterization of electrocatalyst surface phases. His work bridges materials chemistry with advanced imaging techniques. Scientific recognition includes: Fellow of The Royal Microscopical Society (U.K.) Senior Member of IEEE Marie Curie Fellowship (2007-2009) from European Commission Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowship (2003/2004) from Hong Kong S.A.R. Government He teaches Solid State Chemistry (KZ7003) and leads Introduction to Analytical Electron Microscopy (KZ8009), having previously taught Advanced Transmission Electron Microscopy (KZ8010) before 2011. Major grants supporting his work include: "Quantitative structural characterisation using 3D electron-based pair distribution function" (Swedish Research Council) "A Multidimensional Toolkit for Modern Electron Microscopy" (Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research) "Mitigating Ni-rich Li-ion cathode side-reactions" (Swedish Energy Agency, Co-applicant) He leads the Cheuk-Wai Tai group within Stockholm University's chemistry department and oversees operations at the Electron Microscopy Center, where his team develops and applies advanced characterization techniques for functional materials research.
Dr Yulai Zhang is a researcher in the Department of Materials Physics at the Australian National University . His work focuses on advanced imaging techniques for material and geological analysis. Expertise: X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT), pore-scale and multiscale modeling, coal seam and ore characterization Collaborations: International partnerships in coal bed methane, mineral liberation, and rock failure analysis His research applies 4D/X-ray tomography to study dynamic processes in copper ores, shale, and coal, including fragmentation, diffusion, and fracture networks. Recent publications highlight innovations in super-resolution imaging , feature extraction methods , and in-situ studies of mineral behavior under stress. Dr Zhang actively supervises students and contributes to ore beneficiation, CO2 geo-sequestration, and unconventional reservoir characterization. Collaborative projects involve institutions in Australia and Indonesia, with a focus on digital rock physics and microstructural evolution .
Dr. Hyungwoong Ahn is a Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at the University of Edinburgh and an Adjunct Professor at Yonsei University. His expertise lies in adsorption process engineering, particularly for CO2 capture and gas separation. He leads the Carbon Capture Group and coordinates exchange programs for chemical engineering students. Dr. Ahn holds a BSc, MSc, and PhD in Chemical Engineering from Yonsei University. Roles: Senior Lecturer (Edinburgh) & Adjunct Professor (Yonsei) Research Focus: Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA), CO2 capture technologies, hydrogen purification, and industrial decarbonisation Key Projects: PSA-SPUR technology development, ship-based carbon capture, and collaboration with HD Korea Shipbuilding Awards: KOFST Brain Pool Fellow, IChemE Global Awards finalist, and Honeywell UniSim Design Challenge winner His research integrates equilibrium theory analysis, numerical simulation, and experimental validation to advance carbon capture systems. He has authored over 50 publications (H-index 32) and secured funding from EPSRC, BEIS, KETEP, and others.
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in LausanneSwitzerland
Saltanat Toleukhanova is a Researcher and Doctoral Assistant at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) , based in the Lab for in situ Nanomaterials Characterisation with Electrons (INE) within the School of Engineering . She is affiliated with the Institute of Materials (IMX) and the Department of Materials . Her doctoral program is in Materials Science and Engineering . She holds offices at MXG 134 and MXD 220 at EPFL's Station 12 campus in Lausanne. Research Interests : Her work focuses on advanced materials characterization techniques, particularly using graphene-based platforms for studying nanocatalysts in electrochemical systems. Key areas include CO2 electroreduction, liquid-phase electron microscopy, and in situ analysis of catalytic materials. She develops innovative electrode designs and microfluidic systems to observe material behavior under realistic operating conditions. Grants & Advising : No specific grants or advising roles are detailed in the provided information. She is part of the INE lab team, contributing to projects involving nanomaterials and energy conversion technologies. Labs/Teams : Active in the INE lab , collaborating on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of nanotechnology and electrochemistry.
Johan Pieter Maria Hoefnagels is Associate Professor of Micromechanics of Materials at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Department of Mechanical Engineering, where he leads the independent Hoefnagels group and the strategic Multi-Scale Laboratory dedicated to integrated micro-mechanical testing. Education: MSc (2000) and PhD (2005) in Applied Physics, Eindhoven University of Technology – thesis on “A novel diagnostic approach for studying silicon thin film growth” . International research visits to IMEC (Belgium), SUNY Albany (USA), NIST (USA), Harvard University (USA), Colorado School of Mines (USA), and KAUST. Research Focus: His group integrates advanced micro-mechanical testing, high-resolution microscopy (SEM, EBSD, AFM, µCT, DIC) and numerical modelling to understand and control micro-scale damage and failure mechanisms in pursuit of durable, sustainable materials. Ductile damage and fracture in metals Interface delamination and adhesion in stretchable electronics Size effects in miniaturised components and thin films Crystal plasticity and martensite/ferrite interface mechanics Hybrid and multi-phase material systems Research Output & Trends: Since 2019 his work has concentrated on multi-scale experimental–numerical studies of advanced steels (martensite/ferrite interfaces, dual-phase steels), additive manufacturing (wire-arc 316L), stretchable electronics (Cu/rubber delamination), and cellulose fibre networks. Recent articles reveal a strong emphasis on high-resolution digital image correlation, automated slip-system identification, and coupled hygro-thermo-mechanical testing. Scientific Awards & Recognition: NWO VIDI (2012), VENI (2008), RUBICON (2005) personal grants – totalling ~€10 M Editor-in-Chief, Strain – An International Journal for Experimental Mechanics (IF 2.2) Dutch representative, European Structural Integrity Society (ESIS) >150 invited/keynote conference presentations; organiser of 20+ international symposia Acta Materialia & Scripta Materialia 2019 Excellence in Reviewing award; Top Reviewer 2011, Engineering Fracture Mechanics PhD Advising & Grants: Principal supervisor of 27 PhD students and 18 post-docs/EngDs; co-author of 24 granted research proposals and 8 equipment investment proposals. The Multi-Scale Laboratory hosts state-of-the-art micro-mechanical testers and microscopes, serving departments across TU/e.
Professor Michael Preuss is a leading academic in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at Monash University, Faculty of Engineering, where he joined in August 2020. He also holds a 20% continuing position at the University of Manchester, UK, where he previously served in multiple leadership roles. His research focuses on the relationship between manufacturing, processing, and performance of structural materials, particularly titanium and zirconium alloys, nickel-base superalloys, and steels for high-temperature and nuclear applications. First Degree: Technical University Berlin, Germany PhD: Technical University Hamburg-Harburg, Germany Michael Preuss’s research interests lie at the intersection of materials processing and performance prediction. He investigates how microstructural evolution during manufacturing affects mechanical behavior, with a focus on reducing safety margins in safety-critical components such as aeroengine parts and nuclear fuel claddings. His work emphasizes in-situ characterisation using advanced tools like synchrotron X-ray , neutron diffraction , digital image correlation , and 3D X-ray tomography . The research is highly interdisciplinary, combining experimental data with modelling to understand degradation mechanisms under stress, temperature, and irradiation. The recent publications highlight a strong focus on irradiation damage in zirconium alloys , plasticity in Ni-base superalloys , and advanced alloy development . These works employ cutting-edge diffraction and imaging techniques to probe dislocation structures, phase evolution, and mechanical onset at micro scales, reflecting a trend toward physically based lifetime prediction models. His work is closely tied to large-scale facilities and national initiatives like the European Spallation Source and the Sir Henry Royce Institute. Scientific awards include: Grunfeld Memorial Medal (IOM3, 2013) ASTM Kroll Medal (lifetime achievement in zirconium research) EPSRC Leadership Fellowship (2011) Fellow of Materials, Minerals and Mining (2016) MWA Research Activation Fund (2024) Michael Preuss actively supervises PhD students and leads major research projects, including those funded by EPSRC and focused on fuel cladding (MIDAS) and advanced manufacturing. He collaborates extensively with researchers across institutions and industries. He chairs the Scientific Advisory Committee of the European Spallation Source and serves on panels for neutron facilities like ILL and ISIS. His labs and research teams are equipped for solid-state additive manufacturing, in-operando micromechanical testing, and advanced microstructural analysis, forming a robust ecosystem for materials innovation.
Christopher J. Kiely is the Harold B. Chambers Senior Professor of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering at Lehigh University (USA) and, since 2017, Professor of Electron Microscopy and Catalysis in the School of Chemistry at Cardiff University (UK). He also serves as Co-Director of the Cardiff Catalysis Institute and Director of the Materials Characterisation Facility at Lehigh. Education Ph.D., Microstructural Physics, Bristol University, 1986 B.Sc. (1st Class Honours), Chemical Physics, Bristol University, 1983 Research Focus Professor Kiely is internationally recognised for applying aberration-corrected analytical electron microscopy (AC-AEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) XEDS/EELS spectrum imaging, and electron diffraction to the study of nanoscale features in particulate materials and interfaces. His work spans catalyst design, nanoparticle self-assembly, quantum dots, carbonaceous materials, and heteroepitaxial interfaces, with a strong emphasis on elucidating structure–activity relationships in supported gold, gold-palladium, and other bimetallic nanocatalysts. Scientific Awards & Distinctions Member of Academia Europaea (2019) Fellow of the Microscopy Society of America (2017) Fellow of the Learned Society of Wales (2015) Harold B. Chambers Senior Professorship (2010) Honorary Visiting Professor, Cardiff University (2009–2016) Innovator Award, NanoTECH Briefs (2005) Personal Chair in Materials Chemistry, University of Liverpool (1999) Leadership & Outreach Dr Kiely has directed the Lehigh Microscopy Summer Schools for two decades (2004–2024), sits on the Council of the Microscopy Society of America, and is a founding member and grant-holder of the UK’s SuperSTEM facility at Daresbury. He has published >350 journal papers and delivered numerous invited lectures across Europe and the United States.
Dr. Ken Vinck is a Lecturer in Geotechnics at the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Imperial College London. His academic affiliation lies within the Faculty of Engineering. He holds an MSc in Civil Engineering from Ghent University (2008), followed by an MSc in Soil Mechanics (2016) and a PhD in Geotechnics (2021) from Imperial College London. His professional experience includes global geotechnical engineering roles before joining Imperial. Dr. Vinck’s research focuses on advanced laboratory testing, soil and site characterisation, and field experiments addressing geotechnical challenges in near and offshore industries. He has contributed significantly to the ALPACA and ALPACA Plus Joint Industry Projects (JIPs), which developed new guidelines for driven piles in Chalk. His work bridges experimental geomechanics with practical engineering solutions, particularly in calcarous soils and pile design. His publications (2008–2022) emphasize chalk mechanics, pile behavior under cyclic/monotonic loading, and advanced testing techniques. Notable contributions include interface ring-shear testing methodologies and effective stress-based design frameworks for driven piles. No scientific awards or grants are explicitly mentioned in the provided information. His academic advising activities are not detailed in the text.
Dr. Ali Gholinia is a Research Fellow in the Department of Materials at The University of Manchester. He holds a PhD in Materials Science from the University of Manchester (1994), an MSc from the same institution (1992), and a BSc from Middle East Technical University (1988). His expertise spans over 20 years in electron microscopy, Focused Ion Beam (FIB), and Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD), with a focus on 3D microstructure characterization, in-situ mechanical testing, and correlative imaging techniques. His work bridges X-ray tomography and serial sectioning in SEM, emphasizing material microstructure-property linkages. Education: PhD, Materials Science, The University of Manchester (1994) MSc, Materials Science, The University of Manchester (1992) BSc, Middle East Technical University (1988) Research Interests: EBSD and FIB-based 3D microstructure analysis In-situ tensile deformation in SEM Correlative tomography (XCT and FIB-SEM) Advanced materials characterization for energy and aerospace applications Articles Trends: Recent work emphasizes 3D microstructure reconstruction in polycrystalline solar cells, additive manufacturing microstructure analysis, and hydride characterization in Zr alloys. His publications frequently integrate advanced imaging techniques like fs-laser ablation and tri-beam microscopy. Awards: None explicitly stated. Advising & Grants: Currently accepting PhD students. His lab, 'Imaging and Characterisation Group,' focuses on cutting-edge materials analysis tools and methodologies. Labs/Teams: Lead the Imaging and Characterisation Group within the Department of Materials, specializing in correlative microscopy and 3D microstructure analysis.
Irene Rocchi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, specializing in Geotechnics & Geology at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). Her research integrates experimental soil mechanics with innovative engineering solutions, focusing on ground characterization, soil behavior across scales, and sustainable geotechnical practices. She leads key projects such as SoIA (Soil is alive) and B-test, contributing to advancements in geotechnical instrumentation and interdisciplinary soil science. PhD, City University of Hong Kong (2010–2014) MSc in Civil Engineering, Politecnical School of Turin (2007–2009) Bachelor in Civil Engineering, University of Bologna (2004–2007) Her research interests center on experimental soil mechanics, with a strong focus on laboratory and field characterization, unsaturated soils, micro-scale analysis, and the influence of biological factors on soil behavior. She emphasizes innovation and the translation of research into practical engineering applications, particularly in flood protection, ground improvement, and sustainable infrastructure. The recent publications reflect a consistent trend in advanced geotechnical testing, probabilistic modeling, and interdisciplinary biogeotechnics. Her work spans from fundamental soil behavior studies to applied technologies like digital twins and energy storage in geomaterials, demonstrating a strong integration of mechanics, sustainability, and innovation. Semper Ardens Excellence Grant (Carlsberg Foundation) InnoExplorer Grant (B-test project) Irene Rocchi actively supervises PhD students and contributes to major research projects at DTU. She has been involved in industrial collaborations and has led funded projects focusing on sustainable underground construction, soil swelling, and infrastructure performance. Her work bridges academic research and real-world engineering challenges. She is involved in the SoIA research group and contributes to DTU’s Sustainable Geotechnics initiative, where she develops new sensing technologies and promotes interdisciplinary approaches to soil science. Her lab focuses on advanced soil testing, NMR-based homogeneity assessment, and biologically influenced soil mechanics.
Mattia Biesuz is Associate Professor at the University of Trento , Department of Industrial Engineering, where he also obtained his B.Sc., M.Sc. (both 110/110 cum laude) and Ph.D. (Excellent cum laude, 2017). He teaches courses on Materials Science, Ceramic Materials, Materials for Energy and interdisciplinary laboratories, and has been teaching assistant continuously since 2014. Education: Ph.D. in Materials, Mechatronics and Systems Engineering, University of Trento, 2014-2017 M.Sc. in Materials Engineering, University of Trento, 2010-2013 B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, 2007-2010 Research interests focus on advanced ceramic processing including flash sintering, cold sintering, ultra-fast high-temperature sintering (UHS), spark plasma sintering, entropy-stabilised ceramics, polymer-derived ceramics, field-assisted ion exchange and low-temperature ceramic joining. His group explores structure–property relationships in glasses and ceramics for energy, functional and structural applications. Recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate a clear trend toward ultra-rapid sintering technologies (UHS, flash, cold sintering) combined with additive manufacturing , high-entropy ceramics , ceramic aerogels for thermal insulation and environmental remediation, and glass strengthening by field-assisted ion exchange. The work integrates fundamental science (diffusion, electromigration, nucleation) with technological demonstrators (batteries, thermal-barrier coatings, catalytic supports, space resources). Scientific awards & honours include the MRS Postdoctoral Award 2022 , two Pfeil Awards (2021 & 2022) from IOM3-UK, the Crystals 2022 Young Investigator Award , multiple Acta Journals Outstanding Reviewer distinctions, best-paper and travel awards from MDPI journals, and the Best Master Thesis Award of his Department in 2013. Funding & leadership: He coordinates/works in several EU and national projects on flash/cold sintering and high-entropy ceramics, serves as associate editor of the Journal of the American Ceramic Society and on the editorial boards of Materials and Frontiers in Materials , and regularly evaluates proposals for the Czech Science Foundation and ECerS. Labs & teams: He leads the “Field-Assisted Sintering & Advanced Ceramics” research line within the Industrial Engineering Department, hosting numerous international visitors (post-docs from Prague, Gdańsk, Izmir, Charles University) and coordinates shared labs equipped with flash-sintering rigs, UHS furnaces, SPS, DSC/TG-GC-MS, impedance analysers, and additive-manufacturing stations.
Malcolm Joyce is a Distinguished Professor of Nuclear Engineering and Interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research and Enterprise) at Lancaster University. He previously served as Head of Engineering (2008–2015), leading the expansion of the department, including introducing Chemical Engineering. Prior to academia, he worked in industry as Technical Director of Hybrid Instruments Ltd. His research focuses on nuclear engineering, radiation detection, and isotopic monitoring, with over £25M in grants. Current projects include C-GANE, AIRS-NFM, ALACANDRA, and AMS-UK. He is Associate Editor of IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science and serves on UK government advisory boards like NIRAB and CoRWM. Awards include the James Watt Medal (2014) and Royal Society Wolfson Award (2016). He authored Nuclear Engineering: A Conceptual Guide to Nuclear Power (2017). His group includes 4 postdocs, 1 Experimental Officer, and 4 PhD students. Research interests span nuclear fuel cycles, radiation localization, and environmental radiological assessment. Education & Background: No formal educational details provided in the text. Research Grants: Principal Investigator on multiple EPSRC-funded projects, including £1.6M (C-GANE), £1.9M (AIRS-NFM), £1.5M (ALACANDRA), and £2.8M (AMS-UK). Tracks over £25M in competitive grants from UKRI, industry, and government. Awards & Honors: James Watt Medal (ICE, 2014) Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award (2016) Professional Activities: Co-chair, National Nuclear User Facility (NNUF) UKAEA Programme Advisory Committee Editorial roles: European Journal of Physics N (EPJ-N) Labs & Teams: Leads a research group focused on nuclear fuel manufacturing, radiation detection, and robotic applications in nuclear environments. Collaborates on projects like Fukushima fuel debris localization and nuclear cogeneration of chemicals.
Dr. Joana Fonseca is a Senior Lecturer in Geotechnical Engineering at City St George's, University of London, within the Department of Civil Engineering in the School of Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering. She holds a PhD from Imperial College London and has extensive research experience in multiscale geomechanics, image-based characterization, and granular media behavior. Her research interests include: Multiscale mechanics Image-based geotechnics using X-ray tomography and microscopy Experimental geomechanics of soils and rocks Micromechanics of granular media Centrifuge modelling Localized deformation and grain breakage Characterization of semi-solid alloys Her recent publications focus on advanced imaging techniques to understand soil fabric evolution, particle-scale interactions in sand-rubber mixtures, and microstructural modeling of carbonate sands for offshore foundations. These works span disciplines from geotechnical engineering to materials science, emphasizing computational and experimental integration. Scientific honors include: Chartered Member, Portuguese Institution of Engineers Principal Investigator on EPSRC-funded MuMShell project (2016) Associate Editor, Canadian Geotechnical Journal Member, Advisory Panel of Géotechnique She has advised several research students including Sadegh Nadimi, Deqiong Kong, and Ciaran Kennedy. She teaches core civil engineering courses such as Soil Mechanics (CV2401), Geotechnical Engineering (CV3401), and the Major Project (CVM412). She also serves as Guest Editor for special issues on image-based geotechnics and women in the built environment. Her research lab integrates advanced imaging, computational modeling, and experimental techniques to study geomaterials across scales, with applications in offshore engineering, sustainable construction, and materials science.
Professor Richard Barker is a faculty member in the School of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Leeds, where he serves as Professor in Corrosion Science and Engineering and Deputy Director of Postgraduate Research Studies. He is affiliated with the Institute of Functional Surfaces, conducting industry-driven research focused on corrosion mechanisms and mitigation in energy and carbon abatement systems. His research interests span electrochemistry, corrosion science, and engineering, with a focus on numerical modelling, in-situ electrochemical analysis, and material degradation in extreme environments such as high temperature, high pressure, and strong acids. He specializes in erosion-corrosion prediction, custom flow cell design, and the corrosion of additively manufactured materials, particularly within carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies. Professor Barker’s research philosophy emphasizes experimental validation, industrial impact, and the development of novel in-situ methodologies to understand material-electrolyte interactions. His work bridges fundamental science with practical applications to enhance asset integrity and operational safety in industrial settings. He supervises a large cohort of postgraduate researchers and teaches Thermofluids modules at the School of Mechanical Engineering. His professional memberships include the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, the Institute of Corrosion, and AMPP. No scientific awards were mentioned in the provided text. Professor Barker advises numerous postgraduate students and is involved in collaborative research projects with industrial partners, such as the KTP collaboration with Roemex Limited. His research is supported by industry engagement and aims to deliver practical solutions for corrosion management. He leads projects including ENVIRO-COAT and investigations into CO2 corrosion products and stress corrosion cracking in high alloy materials. He is a key member of the Institute of Functional Surfaces and contributes to research in corrosion and flow assurance, focusing on real-world applications in energy systems.
