Professor Stephen Beeby is a leading academic at the University of Southampton in the Electronics and Computer Science department. His research spans Electronic Textiles , Flexible Electronics , and Energy Harvesting technologies. Research Focus: His work emphasizes the integration of smart printable materials into fabrics, enabling invisible wearable technologies . Projects include energy-harvesting insoles , skin hydration sensors , and thermoelectric devices for sustainable power. Recent Publications highlight advancements in zinc oxide nanoparticle films , flexible antennas , and gold-tooled e-textile circuits , reflecting his interdisciplinary approach to biomedical monitoring and smart clothing . Scientific Honors: Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Technologies Fellow of IEEE (FIEEE) Fellow of Institute of Physics (FInstP) Fellow of Institution of Engineering and Technology (FIET) PhD Students: Supervising 10 active PhD candidates in areas like flexible sensors , smart garments , and energy-harvesting systems . Labs & Collaborations: Core member of the Centre for Flexible Electronics and E-Textiles (C-FLEET) and collaborates with European Union-funded initiatives like EnABLES and TEAM-NANO .
Dr. Anna Baldycheva is a Senior Lecturer in Electronic Engineering at the University of Exeter, within the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences. She leads the interdisciplinary STEMM Laboratory, focusing on applied R&D in smart materials, photonics, AI, and IoT. With prior research experience at MIT, Trinity College Dublin, and Tyndall National Institute, she has established herself as an internationally recognized innovator and entrepreneur in emerging technologies. PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin (2008–2012) BSc (Hons) in Physics, St. Petersburg State University (2003–2008) Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice, University of Exeter (2016–2017) Postgraduate Certificate in Technology Management, Smurfit Business School (2009–2010) Her research spans Nano-Engineering, Opto-Electronics, Photonics, AI, and IoT , with a strong emphasis on real-world applications. She pioneers work in fluid opto-electronics , graphene nanocoatings , and AI-driven emotion recognition and early cancer detection . Her lab develops smart composite materials for flexible electronics, e-textiles, and structural applications, integrating machine learning into healthcare, education, and communications systems. The recent publications highlight a strong trend toward applied interdisciplinary innovation , combining materials science with AI and photonics for healthcare diagnostics, energy-efficient computing, and educational technology. Her work frequently bridges fundamental physics with commercialization potential, as seen in spin-out technologies like GSurf and the Electronic-Nose for lung cancer detection. Fellow, Royal Microscopical Society (RMS) Fellow, Higher Education Academy (FHEA) Expert, Future and Emerging Technologies, European Commission Featured in Forbes and Forbes Tech Council Editor-in-Chief, InSTEMM Journal Associate Editor, Nature Scientific Reports and Discover Nano Trustee, Royal Microscopical Society Founder, STEMM Global Scientific Society Founder, It’s Her! Women in STEMM Initiative Dr. Baldycheva actively supervises PhD students and has secured industrial collaborations with organizations such as Qinetiq and Lumentum. She leads multiple outreach initiatives, including STEMM Junior for underprivileged children, and serves on the committee for the Jocelyn Bell Brunel PhD Scholarship. She has raised significant research funding through national and international grants, though specific grant names are not listed. She leads the STEMM Laboratory , a multidisciplinary research group with divisions in Smart Composite Materials, Machine Learning & AI, and Opto-Electronics & Photonics. The lab emphasizes industry collaboration and technology transfer, having produced a university spin-out (GSurf) and multiple media-highlighted innovations.
Brenda Parker serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Biochemical Engineering within University College London's Faculty of Engineering Sciences. She co-founded the Bio-Integrated Design Lab (Bio-ID) with Professor Marcos Cruz from the Bartlett School of Architecture, establishing an internationally recognized research platform exhibited at Centre Pompidou, London Design Festival, and Venice Biennale. Her academic journey began with an MEng in Biochemical Engineering from UCL, including specialization in microbial ecology at Caltech, followed by PhD research on non-natural amino acid synthesis via BBSRC CASE studentship with Dowpharma. Her research focuses on sustainable bioprocess design and bio-integrated architecture, addressing industrial biotechnology scalability through algal biotechnology, bioremediation systems, and circular biomaterials. The Bio-ID Lab's work spans microbiome-inspired green infrastructure, robotic fabrication of biohybrid materials, and sustainable sound absorption solutions – exemplified by the INDUS algal bioremediation project winning the Water Futures Design Challenge and Beazley Designs of the Year shortlist. Current teaching includes leadership of UCL's second-year Design and Professional Skills course and directorship of the radical interdisciplinary MSc in Bio-Integrated Design. Key Awards: Churchill Travelling Fellowship (2014) Public Engagement Award from Society for General Microbiology (2011) Royal Academy of Engineering Leadership Award Professor Parker actively mentors through her MSc program while leading research collaborations with Shell (Algal Biotechnology Consortium), Cambridge Water, and EU-funded projects including Energetic Algae and Innovation in Crops. Her Bio-ID Lab maintains strong industry partnerships through Phytofutures Ltd commercialization efforts. The lab's multidisciplinary approach integrates biochemical engineering with architectural design, creating novel platforms for urban ecosystem health and sustainable material innovation through living systems.
Dr. Lulu Xu is a Lecturer in Sport Technology at the School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University. She holds a PhD in Materials Science from the University of Manchester, where her research focused on functional textiles and wireless communication systems. Previously, she served as a Research Fellow at the Wellcome/EPSRC Centre for Interventional and Surgical Sciences (WEISS) at UCL, specializing in flexible electronics for healthcare applications. Her expertise includes wearable electronics, sensors, and sustainable textile technologies. Dr. Xu is an Expert and Committee Member of IEC/TC124/WG2 (Wearable Electronic Devices and Technologies) and was invited as UCL's representative to the 2023 Global Young Scientist Summit (GYSS) in Singapore. She is also an AFHEA Associate Fellow (2022). Her research spans nanomaterial-based sensors, energy harvesting systems, and smart textiles for healthcare monitoring. Recent work emphasizes wearable devices for body temperature regulation, strain sensing, and environmental applications. Her articles often address cutting-edge topics like self-healing polymers, 3D-printed composites, and scalable recycling of textiles.
Anura Fernando is a Senior Lecturer in Materials Engineering at the University of the West of England (UWE), specializing in advanced textile materials and wearable technologies. His research focuses on knitted structures, graphene-based sensors, and energy-harvesting textiles. He contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through innovations in healthcare textiles and sustainable materials. Research Interests Dr. Fernando’s work spans textile engineering, nanomaterials integration, and smart wearable devices. Key areas include: Graphene-based flexible sensors for healthcare monitoring Thermoelectric garments for energy harvesting Recyclable and sustainable sensor technologies 3D printed polymer materials and their thermal properties Collaborations and Impact He collaborates on robotic manufacturing of medical textile reinforcements and has 17 supervised works, contributing to advancements in fetal heart rate monitoring and automotive composites. His research bridges material science with biomedical and energy applications, emphasizing scalability and real-world implementation. Labs and Teams Associated with UWE’s Digital Futures research beacon, his work leverages interdisciplinary teams to develop next-generation wearable technologies and smart textiles.
Dr. Naeem Mian is a Professor and Subject Area Leader in Mechanical and Automotive Engineering at the School of Computing and Engineering, University of Huddersfield. He holds a BEng in Electronic Engineering, MSc in Engineering Control Systems and Instrumentation, and a PhD in Machine Tools Thermal Finite Element Analysis (FEA). His research focuses on thermal behavior of machine tools, vibration sensors, control engineering, and sustainable technologies. He is affiliated with the Centre for Precision Technologies and the Centre for Thermofluids, Energy Systems, and High-Performance Computing. Dr. Mian’s research explores thermal error mitigation, sensor calibration, and advanced manufacturing systems. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals via innovations in energy-efficient systems and smart materials. Recent projects include developing a 'Smart Mattress' to reduce landfill waste and improve sleep quality. His publications span thermal modeling, hybrid generators, and wearable e-textiles. Notable collaborations involve wind energy optimization, bioaerosol dispersion analysis in railways, and precision vibration sensing. He actively supervises PhD students and participates in interdisciplinary projects combining mechanical, electrical, and materials engineering.
Dr. John Tudor is a Principal Research Fellow in the Department of Electronics and Computer Science at the University of Southampton, affiliated with the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. His research focuses on smart fabrics/e-textiles, MEMS technology, sensors, and energy harvesting, with a primary emphasis on printed smart fabric innovations since 2008. He has led or co-investigated over 50 major funded projects and holds 12 patents. His work bridges materials science, biomedical engineering, and wearable technology, addressing healthcare applications such as stroke rehabilitation and pain management. Research interests include advanced manufacturing techniques (inkjet, screen printing) for smart fabrics and their integration into medical devices. Collaborations involve interdisciplinary teams in flexible electronics and e-textiles, exemplified by his contributions to the Centre for Flexible Electronics and E-Textiles (C-FLEET). Notable research outputs span 255 publications (13,042 citations, h-index 48) in areas like wearable electrotherapy systems and muscle stimulation for neurological recovery. His work emphasizes translational applications, such as improving lymphatic function and post-stroke rehabilitation through wearable technologies. John has extensive industry partnerships and academic collaborations, leveraging his expertise in sensor systems and microfabrication to advance healthcare technologies. His contributions to smart materials and flexible electronics underscore a commitment to solving real-world challenges through innovative materials and device design.
Professor Pete Worsley holds the position of Professor of Assistive Technology and Tissue Health within the Health Sciences department at the University of Southampton. He co-leads the Skin Health research group and serves as deputy programme lead for the BSc and MSc Physiotherapy programmes, ranked among the UK's top programmes since 2018. His research focuses on skin and soft tissue health, bioengineering, and healthcare technologies, with a particular emphasis on pressure ulcer prevention and medical device innovation. Research affiliations: Institute for Life Sciences, Interdisciplinary Musculoskeletal Health, Skin Sensing Research Group Industrial collaborations: Philips, Care of Sweden AB, Hill-Rom SAS, and others Leadership roles: Scientific chair of EPUAP, ISO/TC 173/WG11 member, editorial board member of Journal of Tissue Viability and Clinical Biomechanics His work integrates bioengineering principles with clinical practice, translating innovations into practical solutions. He has spun out Radii Devices Ltd, a company focused on prosthetics and orthotics technologies, supported by UKRI and industry funding. Notable achievements include over 50 publications, multiple awards, and contributions to national and international healthcare standards. PhD supervision: Active mentorship of PhD, masters, and internship students Teaching: Leads 'Clinical Assessment and Treatment' and contributes to postgraduate modules in amputee rehabilitation and research methodologies Key projects include intelligent sensing systems for posture management and closed-loop wound prevention, funded by EPSRC, MRC, and industry partners. His research addresses critical challenges in vulnerable patient populations and healthcare technology design.
Dr. Yang Wei is an Associate Professor in Wearable Technology at the Department of Engineering, School of Science & Technology, Nottingham Trent University (NTU). He leads the Smart Wearable Research Group, focusing on innovative wearable solutions for military and civilian applications. A Chartered Engineer, he serves on the EPSRC E-Textile network steering group and the IPC Electronic-Textile initiative committee. He is also the academic expert for Smart Medical Textile at NTU's Medical Technologies Innovation Facility (MTIF), a £23M initiative advancing medical wearable devices to ISO standards. Dr. Wei holds a PhD from the University of Southampton and has contributed to EU projects like MICROFLEX and CREATIF. His research spans smart sensing, printed electronics, and additive manufacturing for healthcare applications. He currently leads an EPSRC grant on wearable medical textiles for lymphoedema management and co-leads an NIHR project on respiratory sensors for hospital and home use. His research interests include wearable medical devices, flexible electronics, and digital healthcare. Collaborators include Philips, Southampton General Hospital, and Zaha Hadid Architects. Recent work includes a breathable wearable 'sticker' for real-time respiratory monitoring, highlighted in NTU's 2024 press release. Dr. Wei's work bridges engineering and medicine, emphasizing translational research from 'bench to bedside.' He actively reviews journals such as Sensors and Actuators and serves as guest editor for special issues on biomedical sensors and smart textiles.
Professor Kai Yang is a Professor of E-textiles in Healthcare at the Winchester School of Art (WSA), University of Southampton, and serves as Head of Research in the Department of Fashion and Textiles. Her work focuses on electronic textile materials, wearable medical devices, and sustainable e-textiles. She leads the WSA E-textile Innovation Lab and co-chairs the E-textiles Network. Professor Yang has secured £3.6 million in research funding from UKRI (MRC, EPSRC, AHRC, Innovate UK) and NIHR, with over 80 publications. She is also a founder of Etexsense Ltd and Smart Fabric Inks Ltd. Her research spans stroke rehabilitation, pain management, and digital healthcare technologies. Collaborations include the Smart Electronic Materials and Systems group and the Centre for Flexible Electronics and E-Textiles (C-FLEET). Current projects emphasize user-friendly wearable devices for healthcare applications and low-cost instrumented clothing with integrated electrodes. Grants & Projects: PI of £3.6M e-textile healthcare projects Leading the Low-cost Personalized Instrumented Clothing project
Dr. Arash Moghaddassian Shahidi is a Senior Research Fellow in Medical and Technical Textiles at the Advanced Textiles Research Group, Nottingham School of Art & Design, Nottingham Trent University. His career began with research on knitted compression systems for venous disease management, evolving into multidisciplinary work on advanced textiles for medical/industrial applications, flexural composites, and electronic textiles. Research Focus Dr. Shahidi's research spans: Characterization of electronic textiles (e-textiles) and medical textiles Development of automated manufacturing processes for electronic yarns Infra-red reflow soldering and component encapsulation Novel space antenna materials and textile-based sensors Functional composites and wearable health technologies His recent publications (2019-2025) demonstrate a strong emphasis on e-textile innovation, including wash durability studies, solar textile panels, haptic feedback systems, and biomedical applications like synthetic tissue models. Collaborative projects frequently integrate materials science, electronics, and biomedical engineering. Affiliations He leads projects within the Advanced Textiles Research Group, focusing on healthcare, wellbeing, and industrial textile solutions. Additional details are available at www.e-yarns.com .
Dr. Katherine Townsend is a Professor in Fashion and Textile Practice at Nottingham Trent University's School of Art and Design. She leads the Digital Craft and Embodied Knowledge research group, focusing on methodological frameworks for designing and making. Her roles include PhD supervision, postgraduate teaching, and leadership in the School Research Committee and REF Advisory Group. She co-founded the journal Craft Research and has curated exhibitions such as Crafting Anatomies and Metallic Sound . Education: PhD in Textile Design (2003), practice-based research exploring CAD methods and garment design. Previous roles include Course Leader for BA Textile Design and Principal Lecturer in MA Fashion. Research Interests : Sustainable fashion, participatory design methodologies, craft-based innovation, well-being through material engagement, and heritage preservation. Notable projects include the Emotional Fit initiative with older women and the Guatemala Artisan project supporting indigenous textile practices. Collaborations : Ixchel Museum (Guatemala), Nottingham City Museums, V&A Museum. Recent work includes AHRC-funded lace archive research and PPE redesign initiatives with healthcare workers. Advising & Grants : Supervised 7+ PhD students in areas like e-textiles and craft therapy. Principal Investigator for UKRI-funded projects and Midlands3Cities collaborations. External examiner for multiple UK art and design institutions. Labs/Teams : Leads the Digital Craft and Embodied Knowledge group, co-leads Clothing Sustainability and Advanced Textiles initiatives. Curates interdisciplinary exhibitions merging art, science, and design.
William Navaraj is a Senior Lecturer in Engineering at Nottingham Trent University, specializing in flexible micro/nanoelectronic devices, electronic skin, and assistive robotics. He holds a PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Glasgow and has over 8 years of interdisciplinary research experience. Education : PhD (University of Glasgow), MSc (CSIR-Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute), BSc (Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research) Research Interests His work focuses on: Flexible Electronics Electronic Skin Bio-mimetic Systems Wearable Healthcare Devices Graphene-based Sensors Nanowire Transistors Recent Publications Trends His 2018-2025 publications demonstrate expertise in tactile sensing, wearable dosimetry, and flexible robotics. Key topics include nanoribbon transistors, 3D-printed prosthetics, and self-powered e-skin systems. Scientific Contributions 50+ peer-reviewed publications 2 filed patents 2 book chapters on wearable bioelectronics Peer reviewer for 10+ journals/conferences Grants & Collaborations Recipient of ERDF, InnovateUK, and CSIR funding. Collaborates with institutions like Humotech (prosthetic systems), STMicroelectronics, and the University of Glasgow.
Dr. John Graves is an Associate Professor of Electrochemistry at Coventry University's Centre for Manufacturing and Materials. His research focuses on hydrogen production, water electrolysis, and sustainable materials processing. He leads interdisciplinary projects like the EU-funded REWAISE initiative, which develops novel electrolysis processes to convert wastewater ammonia into hydrogen. Graves has extensive industrial experience, including four years as an R&D manager, and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and Chartered Chemist. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Clean Energy (SDG 7) and Responsible Consumption (SDG 12). Key projects include advanced anion exchange membrane electrolyser development and closed-loop recycling of metals from electronic waste. Graves' vision is to pioneer high-performance materials for clean energy systems, accelerating the transition to carbon neutrality. Research outputs span electrochemical innovations, including low-temperature ammonia electrolysis and bioleaching-based metal recovery. He has authored over 40 publications, with 23 citations in 2024 alone. Awards include the 2023 Knowledge Exchange Initiative of the Year and 2022 Changing the World Award. Graves supervises collaborative projects with industry partners and academic institutions, fostering knowledge exchange. His lab specializes in electrochemical synthesis, nanomaterials, and sustainable manufacturing processes.
Dr. Rebecca Stewart is a Senior Lecturer in the Dyson School of Design Engineering at Imperial College London, with affiliations to the e-Body Lab and the Human Behaviour and Experience Network. Previously, she held positions at Queen Mary University of London in the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science. Her research focuses on wearable technology, audio interfaces, and textile-based sensors, emphasizing accessibility and interdisciplinary collaboration. She leads the e-Body Lab, which develops innovative e-textiles and explores their integration into design and healthcare applications. Education: PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Queen Mary University of London (2006–2010). Her academic roles include Senior Lecturer at Imperial College London (2023–present) and prior Lecturer positions (2016–2023). Research interests span e-textiles, sensor technology, and human-computer interaction, with notable projects like the STELEC initiative and graphene-based wearable sensors. Key contributions include advancements in durable, UV-resistant sensors and collaborations with textile designers to integrate technology into creative practices. Her work bridges engineering, design, and healthcare, addressing challenges in sustainability and user-centric design.
