Dr. Ina Säumel is a scientific collaborator at the Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences at Humboldt University of Berlin. Her work bridges urban ecology, biodiversity conservation, and socio-cultural dimensions of sustainability through participatory approaches. Research Focus : Urban sustainability transitions, nature-based solutions, medicinal plants, and climate change adaptation. Key Projects : Edible City Solutions, biochar conversion from agro-residues, and biodiversity assessments in urban cemeteries. Geographic Scope : Uruguay, Andes, South Tyrol, and Berlin. Emphasis on post-industrial and water-sensitive cities. Her recent publications highlight interdisciplinary methods in co-creation, land-use impacts on metacommunity structures, and health-promoting urban green spaces. Contact: ina.saeumel@hu-berlin.de
Arash Nemati is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Energy Conversion and Storage, Technical University of Denmark (DTU). His research focuses on sustainable energy technologies, particularly solid oxide fuel cells, ammonia-fueled systems, and multiphysics modeling of energy conversion processes. He leads and participates in EU-funded projects such as RESCUE and X-SEED, aiming to advance renewable energy storage and green hydrogen production. His work addresses challenges in electrochemical systems, including durability, efficiency, and integration of renewable energy sources. He has received notable recognition, including a Highly-cited Paper award (Web of Science, 2022) and the DAAD Green Hydrogen Research Tour Scholarship (2024). Nemati actively supervises PhD students in areas like co-electrolysis and solid oxide electrolysis cell modeling. His expertise spans thermochemical processes, numerical simulations, and techno-economic evaluations of energy systems. Key projects include developing ammonia-driven reversible solid oxide cells for grid storage and optimizing pyrolysis-electrolysis systems for methanol and char production. His research aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing clean energy and climate action.
Dr. Taghi Miri is an Assistant Professor in the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham, specializing in Chemical Engineering with a focus on food processing safety, environmental engineering, and nanotechnology. He holds a PhD from the University of Birmingham, focusing on plant-based food processing. His research spans food waste valorization, novel food processing technologies, and bioremediation of heavy metals. He has collaborated with industry leaders such as Marlow Food, CSM Bakery, and P&G, and has led modules in Food Engineering, Food Safety, and Chemical Engineering education. Education: BSc, MSc & PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Birmingham. Research Interests: Food safety challenges in reformulation, circular economy applications, and nanocomposite development for drug delivery. His current projects include food waste valorization via supercritical CO₂ extraction and ohmic heating for food safety. Editorial Roles: Associate Editor of the Journal of Water and Environmental Nanotechnology and Guest Editor of the Journal of Sustainability (Special Issue on Food Waste). Advising: Supervises PhD/MSc projects in Food Engineering and Environmental Bioprocessing. Leads modules such as 'Food Microbiology and Safety' and 'Novel Food Processing'.
Jay P. Gore is the Vincent P. Reilly Professor in Combustion Engineering at Purdue University's School of Mechanical Engineering, with courtesy appointments in Aeronautics & Astronautics and Chemical Engineering. He holds positions at the West Lafayette campus and leads the Gore Research Group, focusing on combustion, radiation heat transfer, and sustainable energy systems. Education: B.E. from University of Poona (1978), M.S. and Ph.D. from Penn State (1982, 1986), and a Postdoctoral Certificate from University of Michigan (1987). His research spans combustion fundamentals, CO2 recycling via char gasification, laser diagnostics, and propulsion systems. He pioneered the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program at Purdue. Research interests include turbulent reacting flows, biomedical heat transfer, and global energy policy. Key subfields are combustion diagnostics, flame structure analysis, and hydrogen storage. His work integrates experimental and computational methods, with applications in aerospace, energy, and environmental sectors. Awards: Purdue Innovator Hall of Fame (2014) Fellowships: AIAA (2009), ASME (2006) Reilly Chair Professor (2000) Presidential Young Investigator Award (1991) Grants & Collaborations: Supported by DoE, NASA, and industry partnerships. Leads interdisciplinary projects on CO2 utilization and renewable energy systems. Labs/Teams: Gore Research Group specializes in combustion diagnostics, laser-based measurements, and sustainable energy solutions. Collaborations include international conferences and policy initiatives.
Dr. Mohammad Naraghi is a Professor and Associate Department Head for Academics in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Texas A&M University. He leads the Nanostuctured Materials Lab , focusing on advanced nanomaterials for aerospace applications. His work integrates material science principles to develop lightweight, high-performance materials for structural, energy storage, and smart textile systems. Education: Ph.D., Aerospace Engineering (2009), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign M.S., Civil Engineering (2004), Sharif University of Technology B.S., Civil Engineering (2004), Sharif University of Technology Research Interests: Graphitic carbon nanomaterials, bio-inspired composites, experimental nanomechanics, and polymer nanofiber processing. His lab explores multifunctional materials for aerospace applications, including self-healing polymers, structural batteries, and sustainable carbon fiber recycling. Publications: Dr. Naraghi has authored over 150 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work focusing on carbon nanomaterial synthesis, self-healing vitrimers, and all-electric aircraft sustainability . His studies bridge nanoscale mechanics and macroscale applications, emphasizing scalability and industrial relevance. Awards: Best Paper Award (2009) for nano viscoelastic composites research Roger A. Strehlow Memorial Award (2009) for outstanding research First Place in Sandia MEMS Design Competition (2007) Advising & Grants: Leads NSF-funded projects on sustainable materials and structural energy storage. Advises graduate students in aerospace and materials engineering. Collaborates with Sandia National Labs and industry partners on advanced composite development. Labs & Facilities: Directs the Nanostuctured Materials Lab, equipped with advanced nanomechanical testing systems, electrospinning setups, and characterization tools for nanoscale materials analysis.
Dr. Aisling Devine is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biosciences at Swansea University, within the School of Biosciences, Geography and Physics. Her research focuses on plant community ecology, particularly African woodlands and savanna ecosystems, emphasizing ecological and socio-economic impacts of vegetation change. She specializes in fire ecology, Miombo Woodlands, and biodiversity conservation. Dr. Devine is available for postgraduate supervision and teaches modules including BIO018 (Biology Transition), BIO232 (Plant Ecology), and BIO347 (Tropical Ecology in Borneo). Her research explores savanna dynamics, biochar applications in agriculture, and circular economic approaches to waste management. Recent work investigates biochar effects on tomato growth and nutrient recovery from faecal sludge. She has supervised projects on African savanna tree conservation and non-native macropod impacts on Isle of Man ecosystems. Dr. Devine’s teaching spans field ecology, conservation strategies, and scientific research methods, preparing students for careers in ecology, conservation, and environmental consultancy. Her research integrates classical ecological theory with practical field techniques, addressing global biodiversity challenges and sustainable resource management.
Morten Ambye-Jensen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering at Aarhus University, specializing in biorefinery technology and sustainable protein production. His work focuses on optimizing green biorefining processes for agricultural residues to produce high-value products like biochar, proteins, and bio-based materials while minimizing environmental impact. Key research interests include: Development of integrated biorefinery systems for grasses and legumes Protein extraction from residual biomass for food and feed applications Life cycle assessment of bio-based technologies Waste-to-resource valorization strategies Climate-smart agricultural practices He leads or collaborates on major projects such as Green Valleys 2.0 (2023-2025) and ENTRANCE (2022-2025), which aim to create circular bioeconomies and reduce reliance on imported soybeans. His research also explores energy-efficient processing techniques and biochar applications in agriculture. Notable achievements include advancing fractionation technologies for alfalfa and grass-clover biomass, and demonstrating how pyrolysis integration can enhance biorefinery energy efficiency while producing valuable biochar.
Anne Simone Dederichs is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), specializing in Structures and Safety. She is actively engaged in research and teaching in fire safety engineering, combustion dynamics, and evacuation modeling. Her work spans academic, industrial, and policy-relevant domains, with strong collaborations across Scandinavia. Doctoral Degree, Dept. of Fire Safety Engineering, Lund University (1998–2004) Master of Science, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen (1991–1997) Bachelor of Science, Niels Bohr Institute and Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Copenhagen (1991–1996, 1991–1995) Her research focuses on fire safety engineering , evacuation dynamics , universal design in safety systems , and sustainable construction materials . She has led seminars and EU meetings on computational fluid dynamics in combustion and turbulent combustion, and she teaches in fire chemistry, fire dynamics, and risk management. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to sustainable cities and inclusive design. Recent publications show a trend toward integrating digital tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) into fire safety, analyzing evacuation inclusivity (e.g., on ships), and evaluating fire risks of new sustainable materials. Her research bridges experimental analysis, modeling, and real-world application in buildings and industrial settings. She has held external positions as a Senior Research Scientist at RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden) and as a Researcher at Lund University. She has supervised PhD projects on composite material aging and fire safety compliance through BIM. Anne is actively involved in project leadership and collaboration, particularly in Nordic research networks. She has organized post-graduate courses and authored teaching materials in fire safety and chemical kinetics.
Professor Jon Gibbins is a faculty member at the University of Sheffield within the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering . He serves as the Centre Director of the UK Carbon Capture and Storage Research Centre and is a Research Area Champion for Solvent Post-Combustion . With over 30 years of experience in coal/biomass gasification and CCS since 2002, his work spans academic, industrial, and policy domains. He contributes to global CCS initiatives, including the SaskPower CCS Global Consortium Advisory Committee , and advises on energy system balancing, economics, and regulation. Research Interests: Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Power Plant Engineering Coal and Biomass Combustion Hydrogen Production with CCS Techno-economic Analysis Flexible Power Plant Operation Recent Article Trends focus on CCS integration, solvent optimization, hydrogen decarbonization, and combustion dynamics. His work emphasizes partnerships with industry and governments, particularly in China and the UK, addressing climate policy, energy security, and technology deployment.
Louise Olsson is a Professor and Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology. Her research focuses on catalysis for emission control and alternative fuel production, combining experimental and kinetic modeling approaches. She leads a research group affiliated with the Competence Center for Catalysis (KCK), integrating basic and applied projects with industry partners. Her work spans catalyst design for exhaust gas purification, biofuel production via lignin valorization, and sustainable chemical processes. Notable research areas include sulfur poisoning mechanisms, NOx reduction catalysts, and kinetic modeling of catalytic systems. Over 230 publications highlight her contributions to catalysis, with recent studies exploring novel catalysts for expanded temperature ranges and bio-oil upgrading. Louise’s research emphasizes bridging fundamental science with industrial applications, addressing challenges in renewable energy and emission reduction. Her group’s collaborations with industry ensure practical impact, while their kinetic models provide insights into catalyst behavior under varying conditions.
Dr. Lin Wei is a Professor and Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at South Dakota State University (SDSU). He holds a B.S. in Agricultural Engineering from China Agricultural University, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (Guangxi University), and M.S./Ph.D. in Biological Engineering (Mississippi State University). His research focuses on biomass conversion, bioenergy production, smart agriculture, and food safety. He leads projects on biochar-based fertilizers, cold plasma food safety technologies, and AI-driven precision farming. Dr. Wei has authored over 80 peer-reviewed papers and secured $7M+ in grants. He chairs multiple professional committees (ASABE Renewable Energy, USDA-S1075, ISO-WG6) and serves as editor for journals like Agricultural Engineering and Transactions of the ASABE. Recent grants include biochar soil health studies ($583K USDA) and nanobubble dairy waste management ($22K SD WRI). His team develops smart sensors for crop monitoring and biopolymer nanocomposites for food packaging. Notable awards include 2024 Outstanding Researcher (College of Agriculture) and 2022 Excellence in Editing (ASABE). Ongoing work integrates thermochemical processes with AI to enhance biofuel production efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Dr. Sharon O'Rourke is an Assistant Professor and Ad Astra Fellow at the University College Dublin (UCD) School of Biosystems and Food Engineering since 2019. Previously, she held roles at the University of Sydney and UCD's School of Agriculture and Food Science, focusing on soil science and environmental protection. She holds a BAgrSc from UCD and a PhD in Soil Nutrient Management from Queen's University Belfast. Research Interests: Her work centers on sustainable soil management, soil carbon sequestration, and environmental protection. She employs spectral techniques (e.g., mid-infrared, hyperspectral imaging) and modeling to study soil geochemistry, carbon dynamics, and climate change mitigation. Current projects include ClimateCropping (EU-wide soil carbon management), PRISM (in-field soil sensors), and CFunction (carbon-nutrient stoichiometry). Grants & Projects: Key grants include funding from Teagasc, the Department of Agriculture, and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Notable projects include proximal soil sensing for carbon monitoring and bio-based product development via pyrolysis. Teaching: She coordinates modules such as 'Carbon & Sustainability,' 'Soil Technology,' and 'Research Skills,' emphasizing agricultural systems and climate-smart practices. Awards: Recognized as an Ad Astra Fellow, highlighting her contributions to innovative soil science research.
Professor Evangelos Boulougouris is Head of the Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering at the University of Strathclyde, where he also serves as Chair of the Maritime Safety Research Centre. He is a chartered professional engineer with over 28 years of internationally recognized research in maritime safety, design for safety, and holistic ship design. His work spans damage stability, autonomous vessels, alternative fuels, and ship survivability, with strong impact on international regulations through roles in IMO, ITTC, SNAME, and RINA. Research Interests: His primary research focuses on safety of marine operations, including damage and intact stability in waves, collision avoidance, ship evacuation, crashworthiness, and the integration of alternative fuels like ammonia and hydrogen. He leads cutting-edge work in multi-objective ship design optimization, risk modeling, and decarbonization strategies for advanced marine vehicles. The recent 15 publications highlight a strong trend toward digitalization and sustainability in shipping, combining machine learning for propeller optimization, CFD simulations for catamaran performance, real-time decision support in emergencies, and hybrid propulsion systems for zero-emission vessels. His work increasingly emphasizes climate resilience, port risk under extreme weather, and energy management in CTVs, aligning with global SDGs. Scientific Awards: 2020 Denny Medal SNAME ABS Captain Joseph H. Linnard Prize (2023) Safety 2020 Best Paper Award (2022) Honorable Mention for Vice Admiral E. L. Cochrane Award (2022) EU CHAMPIONS of Transport Research (HOLISHIP, TRA 2014) Greek Technical Innovation Award, Lloyd’s List (2009) 1st Prize, International SAFER SHIP Competition (1999) Advising and Grants: He actively supervises PhD students and has led numerous EU and UK-funded projects such as SEASTARS, SAFARI, EcoShipYard, and Digital Shipwright. As Principal Investigator and Co-I, he secures substantial research funding, coordinates knowledge exchange (KE) initiatives, and leads training programs across Europe. Labs and Teams: He leads the Maritime Safety Research Centre at Strathclyde, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration on ship safety, stability, and sustainable design. His team works closely with industry partners RCG and DNV, and engages in international networks through STAB, ITTC, and IMO committees.
Dr. Petr Vozka is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at California State University, Los Angeles, where he leads the Complex Chemical Composition Analysis Lab (C³AL). His research focuses on the characterization of complex chemical mixtures using state-of-the-art techniques, including two-dimensional gas chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry, with applications in environmental science, plastic waste conversion, and forensic analysis. Dr. Vozka's research interests span multiple critical areas including the analysis of complex chemical mixtures, microplastics in the environment, conversion of plastic waste into alternative fuels, environmental impact of oil spills, and forensic fingerprint analysis. His work on microplastics has gained significant attention, with media coverage highlighting his findings that microplastics can penetrate blood vessels and have been found in the brain. His research on the Huntington Beach oil spill investigated the long-term effects of oil contamination on beaches used for recreation. Dr. Vozka has organized significant academic events including the Multidimensional GC: From Petroleum to Beyond symposium at ACS Fall 2025 and serves on the organizing committee for the Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop (MDCW). His laboratory, C³AL, is equipped with advanced instrumentation including GC-TOFMS, GC×GC-FID, and GC×GC-TOFMS systems, supported by partnerships with LECO Corporation and Anton Paar. Recipient of LECO Corporation's Pegasus® BT GC-MS instrument through a competitive selection process Principal Investigator for research funded by Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Collaborator with researchers from Purdue University, UCT Prague, Delft University of Technology, and California State Polytechnic University Dr. Vozka actively mentors undergraduate and graduate students, with numerous students receiving research awards including CSU COAST Undergraduate Student Research Grants, NSF REU placements, and Dean's List honors. His students regularly present research at national conferences including ACS meetings and the Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop. The C³AL lab provides hands-on experience with cutting-edge analytical instrumentation, preparing students for careers in analytical chemistry and related fields. As part of the LECO-C³AL Facility partnership, Dr. Vozka's lab serves as a training ground for students in comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques. The facility aims to enhance knowledge and expand opportunities for students while equipping them with skills necessary to excel in graduate programs and analytical positions in industry and the military.
Khalifa Aguir is a Professor at Aix-Marseille University, affiliated with the Department of Detection, Radiation and Reliability (DETECT) and the Microsensor Instrumentation (MCI) Team. His research focuses on gas sensing technologies , particularly metal oxide semiconductors , nanomaterials , and thin films for environmental and biomedical applications.
