Introduction Dr. Luca Alibardi is a Lecturer in Separation Processes at the Cranfield Water Science Institute , Cranfield University. He joined Cranfield in 2015 as a Research Fellow and is currently the Centre Manager of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Water Infrastructure and Resilience (WIRe) and Co-Leader of the International Waste Working Group's Waste Biorefinery Task Group . His research focuses on advancing separation technologies, transitioning to circular and hydrogen economies, and optimizing energy recovery from wastewater systems. Education and Background PhD in Environmental Engineering from the University of Padova (Italy), focusing on innovative treatments of tannery sludge. Postdoctoral research at the University of Padova on biological hydrogen production from organic waste, including projects like AquaNova (co-treatment of wastewater and organic waste) and EnergiaNova (pilot installation in mountain huts). Research Interests Dr. Alibardi's work integrates separation technologies with systems engineering to address challenges in: Hydrogen production for wastewater decarbonization. Biorefinery concepts for waste management. Energy recovery from wastewater networks. Coarse separation systems as alternatives to conventional membranes. Collaborations and Impact He collaborates with major water utilities ( Anglian Water, Severn Trent Water ) and research councils ( EPSRC ). His research bridges academia and industry, emphasizing practical solutions for sustainable resource management. Key Projects and Leadership Leading the WIRe CDT to train future water infrastructure experts. Guiding international initiatives on waste biorefinery through the IWWG.











