Francesca Demichelis is a Fixed-term Researcher at the Politecnico di Torino , Department of Applied Science and Technology (DISAT). She contributes to the Politecnico University Centre for Social Affairs and participates in multiple academic colleges including Architecture and Design, Chemical and Materials Engineering, and Electronic/Telecommunications/Physics Engineering. Her research focuses on chemical engineering, sustainable energy, waste management, environmental chemistry, and circular economy . Research Themes : Waste valorization, biochar technology, anaerobic digestion, biorefinery processes, sustainable material production, climate action Key Projects : Hydrothermal liquefaction of digestate, microalgae-based bioremediation, enzymatic pre-treatments for biogas optimization Her recent publications demonstrate expertise in biochemical processes, waste-to-resource systems, and environmental technology , with particular emphasis on food waste, agro-industrial residues, and composite material recycling. She supervises three PhD students in Chemical Engineering and collaborates on interdisciplinary courses related to circular platforms, biochemical plants, and sustainability in chemical industry.
Dr. Yolita Eggeler is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), leading the LEM (Laboratory for Experimental Materials) research group. Her work focuses on advanced materials science, nanotechnology, and additive manufacturing, with a particular emphasis on laser-based fabrication techniques, thermoelectric materials, and micro/nanostructural characterization. She is affiliated with the KIT Physics Department and collaborates on projects involving energy harvesting, semiconductor devices, and high-temperature alloy behavior. Research interests include: Laser microprinting of semiconductors and metals Thermoelectric generator design and optimization Nanoparticle synthesis and applications High-temperature material degradation and creep mechanisms Recent publications highlight innovations in photothermal laser printing of crystalline materials, novel thermoelectric modules, and core-shell nanocrystal engineering. Her work bridges fundamental materials science with applied technologies like flexible electronics and energy conversion systems. Key collaborations involve advanced TEM analysis for microstructural studies and correlative microscopy techniques. She is actively developing new methodologies for in-situ pyrolysis of 3D-printed materials and exploring AI-driven materials discovery through concept graph analysis. Laboratory facilities include state-of-the-art laser printing systems, electron microscopy setups, and thermal characterization equipment. Her team focuses on translating lab-scale innovations into scalable manufacturing processes for next-generation electronic and energy systems.
Dr. Ezra Bar-Ziv is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Michigan Technological University (Michigan Tech), where he has served since 2011. Previously, he held leadership roles at Ben-Gurion University, including Director of the Program for Projects in Industry, founder of the Program for High-Tech Retraining, and Chair of the Department of Biotechnology and Environmental Engineering. He also served as Associate Dean for Academic Development and Research at Ben-Gurion University’s College of Engineering Sciences. His expertise spans advanced energy systems, including municipal waste valorization, coal combustion, biomass torrefaction, and pollution reduction. Dr. Bar-Ziv earned his PhD in Chemical Physics from the Weizmann Institute of Science. His research focuses on optimizing energy systems, particularly through biomass conversion and coal-fired power plant efficiency. He has led initiatives such as the largest U.S. torrefaction facility for Portland General Electric and founded three start-up companies focused on waste valorization. His work addresses critical challenges in sustainable energy production and industrial waste utilization. Key research interests include torrefaction kinetics, coal combustion dynamics, and the development of biocoal as a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. His publications analyze biomass processing, coal boiler performance, and emissions reduction strategies. Dr. Bar-Ziv’s professional contributions extend to academic leadership and industry collaboration, reflecting his dual focus on innovation and practical application in energy systems.
Xiaoliang Wang is a Research Professor and Director of the Atmospheric Sciences Graduate Program at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) and the Desert Research Institute (DRI). He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. from the University of Minnesota (2006 and 2002) and dual B.E. degrees in Thermal Engineering and Environmental Engineering from Tsinghua University (2000). His research focuses on aerosol science, including instrument development, emission characterization, and air quality measurement. He leads projects on lithium-ion battery fire emissions, vehicle non-tailpipe emissions, and coal mine dust exposure reduction. He has developed key instruments like the nanoparticle aerodynamic lens for aerosol mass spectrometers and the DRI Portable Emissions Measurement System (PEMS). Wang has received prestigious awards including the 2020 AAAR Benjamin Y. H. Liu Award for aerosol instrumentation, the 2021 DRI Science Medal, and the 2024 NSHE Mid-Career Researcher Award. He serves on committees for the American Association for Aerosol Research (AAAR) and has authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles. His work spans fields like spacecraft fire safety, fugitive dust measurement, and computational fluid dynamics modeling. Key contributions include miner safety training programs reducing silica exposure and studies on brake/tire wear emissions near highways. His research integrates laboratory methods, field measurements, and numerical simulations to address environmental and occupational health challenges.
Krzysztof Czajka is a researcher affiliated with the Department of Energy Conversion Engineering at Wrocław University of Science and Technology. His work focuses on thermal processes, solid fuel conversion, and energy systems. Research interests include kinetics of thermal processes thermal analysis (TGA, DSC) pyrolysis, gasification, and combustion of solid fuels design of gasifiers and pyrolysis reactors steam and gas turbines life cycle assessment Recent publications analyze biomass torrefaction, coal gasification, and waste pyrolysis, emphasizing kinetic modeling and environmental sustainability. Key trends involve optimizing energy conversion efficiency and assessing emissions.
Animesh Dutta, PhD, P.Eng., is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Guelph. His research focuses on thermochemical conversion of biomass and waste, renewable energy systems, and advanced energy technologies. He holds expertise in supercritical water gasification, biofuel production, and life cycle analysis. Education: PhD (not explicitly stated, inferred from title). Research interests include agri-residue valorization, CO₂ capture, and biomass-based energy systems. He teaches graduate courses on biomass conversion and undergraduate thermodynamics (ENGG 3260). Key research areas: Thermochemical conversion of agricultural residues Hydrothermal carbonization for biocarbon production CO₂ capture via activated carbon systems Integration of solar and biomass energy systems Process intensification in biofuel production Recent publications (2023–2025) emphasize hybrid energy systems, waste-to-energy technologies, and catalytic biomass processing. His work addresses global challenges in sustainable energy and circular economy. Grants and collaborations: Not explicitly stated, but research themes imply funding from environmental and energy sectors. Lab activities include bioenergy systems design and material synthesis for energy storage.
Tianbao Gu is a postdoctoral researcher at Aalborg University's Faculty of Engineering and Science, affiliated with the Thermal Engineering department. His work focuses on energy thermochemical conversion, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and kinetic modeling of biomass and waste utilization. He contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through advancements in green ammonia production and hydrogen storage. External Position: Visiting Postdoc at Eindhoven University of Technology (2023–2024) Collaboration: Chalmers University of Technology (2020–2021) Research Interests Gu's research addresses bioenergy systems, hydrogen storage via ammonia synthesis, and waste-to-energy conversion using advanced modeling techniques. His expertise spans municipal solid waste incineration, biomass pyrolysis, and catalytic reaction optimization. Recent Publications His recent work includes CFD modeling of ammonia synthesis, parametric studies of evaporative coolers, and co-simulation frameworks for power-to-X systems, emphasizing experimental validation and process optimization. Projects HySTrAm (2022–2025): Hydrogen storage and transport using ammonia Advanced modeling of biomass/waste pyrolysis and combustion (2018–2021)
Chunyan Tang is a University Lecturer at the Department of Materials Science and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Tampere University. Her research focuses on environmental engineering with emphasis on water quality management, sediment dynamics, and hydrodynamic modeling. She has conducted extensive studies on Lake Taihu, investigating sediment resuspension mechanisms, algal bloom control, and the impact of human activities such as ship traffic and water diversion. Her work integrates field measurements, numerical modeling, and laboratory analyses. Key contributions include advancing understanding of turbulent burst dynamics in shallow lakes, evaluating ecological risks of heavy metal pollution, and developing novel sigma coordinate systems for hydrodynamic simulations. She collaborates on projects addressing eutrophication mitigation, sediment remediation, and climate change impacts on water resources. Notable methodologies in her research include ADV (Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter) measurements for suspended sediment quantification, coupled hydrodynamic-water quality modeling, and kinetic analysis of pyrolysis processes for waste conversion. Her studies often combine environmental chemistry, fluid dynamics, and geospatial analysis to provide interdisciplinary solutions for complex water systems.
Professor Bill Nimmo is Professor of Energy Engineering and Sustainability at the University of Sheffield's School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering. He also serves as Head of the Faculty of Engineering Graduate School, overseeing postgraduate research student recruitment, training, and progression across engineering disciplines. His academic career spans over three decades with significant contributions to combustion engineering, energy systems, and sustainability research. Bill Nimmo earned his PhD in Fluidized Bed Waste Gasification Processes from Leeds University in the mid-1980s, establishing his foundation in chemical and combustion engineering. His research interests span multiple critical areas in sustainable energy including biomass combustion, biomass gasification, anaerobic digestion, waste-to-energy conversion, corrosion studies in advanced combustion systems, and coal combustion/gasification with carbon capture technologies. His work bridges fundamental research with practical applications for cleaner energy systems. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on fluidized bed combustion technologies, chemical looping combustion for carbon capture, biomass utilization, and advanced emission control strategies. The research demonstrates a clear trajectory toward developing sustainable energy solutions with particular emphasis on integrating renewable resources with conventional power generation while addressing technical challenges like agglomeration in biomass combustion and corrosion in oxy-fuel systems. Professor Nimmo serves as Principal Editor of the prestigious Elsevier Journal FUEL (Impact Factor 7.5) and is an active member of the Fuel and Energy Research Forum Executive Committee, where he chairs the Environmental Division. He also participates in the Energy Institute Yorkshire branch committee and the EPSRC Peer Review College. As a research leader, Nimmo has secured substantial funding with over £7 million in research grants as principal or co-investigator since 2009. His current portfolio includes projects funded by EPSRC, Innovate UK, BBSRC, Royal Academy of Engineering, and British Council, focusing on ultra super-critical fluidized bed combustion, anaerobic digestion, energy from waste, and knowledge economy partnerships. He has supervised numerous research students and early career researchers through the Energy 2050 Group. Professor Nimmo leads research activities centered around the UKCCSRC PACT facilities for carbon capture processes, with particular emphasis on pilot-scale oxy-fuel combustion projects. His team operates advanced experimental facilities for biomass combustion, fluidized bed systems, and anaerobic digestion research, contributing to both fundamental understanding and practical implementation of sustainable energy technologies.
Professor Philip Dyer is a leading figure in synthetic inorganic and organometallic chemistry at Durham University's Department of Chemistry. His work focuses on the development of industrial catalysts for small molecule activation and sustainable chemical processes. Professor, Department of Chemistry, Durham University Royal Society Industry Fellow Director of the MacroBioCrude consortium Research interests span: Organometallic and coordination chemistry Homogeneous/heterogeneous catalysis Organophosphorus ligand design Biomass and macroalgae-based feedstocks Recent research trends emphasize: Development of solid-state molecular catalysts Flow reactor systems for gas/liquid reactions Algae-derived biofuels Multi-metallic cluster characterization Key affiliations : Centre for Sustainable Process Chemistry (CSCP) EPSRC UK Catalysis Hub MacroBioCrude consortium (EPSRC £2.3M grant) Collaborations with Oxford, Leeds, UCL, and Australian/Rennes institutions Research facilities include: Inert atmosphere glove-boxes and Schlenk lines High-pressure catalysis systems Bespoke pyrolysis GC-MS equipment Integrated Chemical Reaction Facility (ICRF)
Li Junguo is a Research Professor at the School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), where he also serves as Assistant Dean of the Clean Energy Institute. He joined SUSTech in 2019 and was promoted to Research Professor in January 2024. Prior to this, he worked as an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Coal Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) from 2014 to 2019. His academic journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Mineral Processing Engineering from China University of Mining and Technology in 2008, followed by a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and Technology from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, completed in January 2014. His educational background includes: 2004-2008: B.S. in Mineral Processing Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology 2009-2014: Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Professor Li's research focuses on the clean conversion of carbon-containing fuels , carbon materials development , fluidization engineering , and scale-up fundamentals . His work spans both fundamental and applied research, with particular emphasis on sustainable energy solutions that address carbon neutrality goals. He investigates pyrolysis and gasification characteristics of various fuels, develops high-performance carbon materials for diverse applications, and studies soil improvement techniques. His research on fluidized bed reactors explores flow characteristics and scale-up mechanisms critical for industrial applications. His publication record demonstrates a strong focus on sustainable energy solutions and carbon management. Recent work emphasizes green methanol production as a pathway to carbon neutrality, advanced biomass conversion technologies, and innovative approaches to coal water slurry processing. His research integrates chemical engineering principles with environmental sustainability goals, particularly addressing China's carbon reduction targets. The interdisciplinary nature of his work bridges energy engineering, materials science, and environmental remediation. Professor Li has received numerous honors and awards for his contributions to science and engineering: Second Prize for Innovation of the China Invention Association Entrepreneurship Award (2024) Academic Editor of the Journal of Fuel Chemistry and Technology (2021, 2023) Shenzhen High-level Professional Talent (Category D, 2019) Member of the Youth Innovation Promotion Association of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (2019) "Shanxi Talent" Young Outstanding Talent (2019) Second Prize of Science and Technology Progress Award of Chinese Society of Particulate Science (2018) As a research leader, Professor Li has secured significant funding for his work, including projects under the National Key R&D Program, National Natural Science Foundation of China, and various industry collaborations. His current research portfolio includes high-value utilization of domestic sludge, key technologies for low-rank coal processing, and large-scale treatment of low-calorific-value municipal solid waste. He also serves as the project leader for the Shenzhen Low-Quality Coal Comprehensive Utilization Engineering Research Center. In addition to his research activities, he teaches graduate courses in Industrial Product Dissection and Transformation Practice and Engineering Ethics. Professor Li leads the Clean Energy Institute at SUSTech, where his team focuses on developing technologies for carbon-neutral energy systems. His laboratory work emphasizes practical applications of fundamental research, particularly in the areas of biomass conversion, coal utilization, and carbon material synthesis. The institute collaborates with both domestic and international partners to advance sustainable energy solutions.
Rex Thorpe is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Surrey 's School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. His work spans multiphase flow analysis, energy optimisation in wastewater treatment, and innovative chemical recycling technologies. Former Head of Chemical and Process Engineering (2008-2015), he has pioneered research in anaerobic digestion flexibilisation and membrane technology for water treatment. Key research areas: multiphase flows in industrial systems Energy recovery from sewage sludge Advanced plastic recycling methods Volatile organic compound (VOC) abatement His recent publications focus on direct contact heat exchangers , dynamic biogas systems , and salinity effects on membrane permeability . The studies frequently combine experimental validation with mathematical modelling across scales from pilot plants to full municipal operations. Scientific accolades include: Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (FIChemE) Chartered Engineer (CEng) Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) As an educator, he teaches Energy and Industrial Systems and Process Equipment Design modules. His legacy includes foundational work on pipe bend forces, fluidised bed conveying, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calibration techniques.
Britt-Marie Steenari is a researcher at Chalmers University of Technology, specializing in resource recovery from waste materials through advanced thermal and hydrometallurgical methods. Her work focuses on metals extraction from electronic scrap, paint residues, and municipal solid waste ash using techniques like pyrolysis, solvent extraction, and thermodynamic modeling. She also investigates biomass combustion and waste gasification, particularly the behavior of minerals and metal compounds during these processes. Her research emphasizes sustainable resource management, including the recycling of lithium-ion batteries, solar cell waste, and metal oxide varistors. She employs spectroscopic methods (e.g., XANES) and leaching processes to characterize and recover valuable metals such as copper, zinc, rare earth elements, and antimony. Key applications include waste-to-resource strategies for construction materials and energy systems. Britt-Marie has contributed to projects on phosphorus recovery in the Baltic Sea region and the use of fly ash in cement. Her work bridges environmental engineering, metallurgy, and materials science to address global challenges in circular economy and pollution control.
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Ruth Schwaiger is a Professor at the Research Center Jülich GmbH, affiliated with the Institute of Energy Materials and Devices (IMD-1). Her research focuses on advanced materials science, including structural and functional materials, energy-related materials, and nanotechnology. She leads projects on alloy development, solid-state electrolytes, and mechanical characterization of advanced composites. Her work integrates experimental techniques like nanoindentation, XRD, and in situ pyrolysis with computational modeling to study material behavior under extreme conditions. Recent contributions include studies on recycling solid oxide electrolyzer stacks, nano-lamellar magnet hardening, and high-temperature alloy design. Ruth Schwaiger’s research emphasizes sustainability and material performance optimization, addressing challenges in energy storage, corrosion resistance, and additive manufacturing. She collaborates on open databases (e.g., opXRD) to advance materials informatics.
Thomas Højlund Christensen is a Professor at the Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark. His research focuses on waste management systems, life cycle assessment (LCA), and sustainable resource utilization. He holds degrees from Technical University of Denmark (MSc, 1974), University of Washington (PhD in Water Chemistry, 1980), and University of Copenhagen (Dr.Agro in Soil Chemistry, 1990). Education: MSc in Solid Waste Technology (DTU, 1974) PhD in Water Chemistry (University of Washington, 1980) Dr.Agro in Soil Chemistry (University of Copenhagen, 1990) Research interests include waste treatment technologies, recycling strategies, landfill leachate management, and the environmental impact of waste disposal. He pioneered the EASETECH/EASEWASTE model for waste management system analysis. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to responsible consumption and climate action. He has advised over 60 master’s and 30 PhD students. Notable collaborations include the Danish Competence Center for Waste (DAKOFA) and international bodies like ISWA and IWWG. He co-founded the journal Waste Management & Research and authored the textbook Solid Waste Technology & Management (Wiley, 2011). Scientific Awards: Member of the Danish Academy of Technical Sciences His advising and grant work spans projects like LCA modeling of waste technologies and future scenario analyses in solid waste management. He also leads research on bioplastics in circular economies and in-situ soil remediation.
