Browser does not support script.
Multidisciplinary expertise for energy solutions
Transport and Mobility
Director of the Energy Institute
david.grant@nottingham.ac.uk
David Grant is the Director of the University of Nottingham Energy Institute and leads the Advanced Materials Research Group. He coordinates the Energy Institute's Transport and Mobility challenge.
Director of the Powertrain Research Centre
alasdair.cairns@nottingham.ac.uk
Professor Al Cairns is the Director of the Powertrain Research Centre at University of Nottingham and has over 23 years’ experience in light and heavy-duty engines, decarbonised fuels and electric hybrid propulsion systems.
His early career involved 10 years with engineering consultancy Cosworth/MAHLE Powertrain, managing large collaborative R&D programmes. He has since successfully led over 25 EPSRC, Innovate UK, Advanced Propulsion Centre and directly funded projects in his field with global industry partners. He is currently Programme Director for the MariNH3 which is investigating the potential of green ammonia to fuel and decarbonise commercial shipping.
Industrial Advisor for Transport
stevemsapsford@outlook.com
Steve has a background of working in the automotive industry at Director level, and in 2018 set up his own consultancy to focus on future propulsions systems and the role for sustainable fuels in complementing electrification.
He is Industrial Advisor for Transport at the University of Nottingham Energy Institute and is also chair of the Powertrain Systems and Fuels Group at the IMechE.
Assistant Professor
surojit.sen2@nottingham.ac.uk
Surojit is an academic in the Power Electronics, Machines and Drives (PEMC) research group with teaching duties in the Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing (M3) Engineering department.
His research area can be summarised into three focus areas: electrical powertrain modelling and simulation, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation of electrical systems with special focus on power HIL, geographically distributed HIL and Digital Twins, and battery systems design and optimisation for sustainable futures. Surojit has been involved in electrification in motorsport for the last 8 years through Formula Student and other industrial collaborators in the same field.
Energy Generation and Management
Associate Professor and Reader in Physics
j.oshea@nottingham.ac.uk
Operating at the nanoscale, James investigates the self-assembly and electronic structure of a variety of nanostructures.
Resonant photoemission techniques are used to investigate the charge-transfer timescales of molecular solar cell fragments to understand the fundamental principles.
Professor of Innovation for Zero Carbon Technologies
henner.wapenhans@nottingham.ac.uk
Henner is Professor of Innovation for Zero Carbon Technologies and leads the strategy and implementation of the Zero Carbon Cluster for the university.
Henner’s work focuses on identifying and developing high impact areas of zero carbon research and working with industry and other stakeholders to accelerate their application. He sits on the aircraft technology sub-delivery group of the JetZero council.
Assistant Professor in Strategy
maria.karafyllia@nottingham.ac.uk
Maria's research interests include paradoxes of strategy and innovation, unlearning, open innovation, necessity entrepreneurship, and market ambidexterity. Her JPIM article (co-authored with Ghita Dragsdahl Lauritzen) "Perspective: Leveraging Open Innovation through Paradox" won the Albert L. Page Award for Outstanding Professional Contribution.
Anne McLaren Research Fellow, Biomass Based Processes
orla.williams@nottingham.ac.uk
Orla is an Anne McLaren Research Fellow, exploring the potential to use biomass based processes, collectively known as bioprocessing, to produce critical raw materials from industrial wastes found in the UK. Anne's fellowship will explore the potential for specially selected biomasses (plants) to absorb metals from polluted land and then extract critical raw materials from these plants.
Communities and the Built Environment
Professor of Sustainable and Resilient Cities
lucelia.rodrigues@nottingham.ac.uk
Lucelia is Professor of Sustainable and Resilient Cities and Director of Transport, Mobility and Cities. She leads the masters programme in Architecture and Sustainable Design.
Lucelia's work focuses on sustainability and resilience in the built environment, particularly energy, carbon management and comfort.
Professor of Sustainable Building Design
mark.gillott@nottingham.ac.uk
Mark has over 20 years experience in low-carbon sustainable energy technologies and sustainable building design.
He is the research and project manager for multi-award winning community energy sustainable housing projects and coordinates the Energy Institute Communities and the Built Environment challenge.
Associate Professor of Accounting
hafez.abdo@nottingham.ac.uk
Hafez Abdo is an Associate Professor of Accounting. Research is focused on accounting and taxation of the extractive industries, energy policy, energy security, investments in renewable energy options. Hafez represents the Nottingham University Business School as part of the Communities and Built Environment challenge for the Energy Institute.
Assistant Professor, Architecture and Built Environment
florian.wiedmann@nottingham.ac.uk
Florian's research focuses on urban transformation tendencies and energy-wasting commuting worldwide, particularly in emerging cities and major urban agglomerations. He explores integrated urbanism from an interdisciplinary perspective modelling and assessing spatial patterns and human behaviour to detect and understand fragmentation and segregation tendencies and their impact on daily commuting.
Senior Research Fellow, Power Electronics, Machines and Control
pearl.agyakwa@nottingham.ac.uk
Pearl's work centres on elucidating the degradation mechanisms and failure physics of power electronics packaging components.
Expertise includes exploring and quantifying three-dimensional damage morphologies using 3D X-ray computed microtomography methodologies and mapping damage by using nanoindentation properties.
reza.beheshti@nottingham.ac.uk
Reza Beheshti teaches and conducts research in international commercial law. He focuses on how commercial law can promote the use of sustainable business models, in particular, the use and development of circular economy in day-to-day business activities.
He is currently working, with a number of academics from other major universities in the UK, on a research project concerning the exploration of a legal and contractual framework for effective implementation of underlying values promoted by the circular economy.
Head of Engineering Academy
nick.booth@uniper.energy
Nick has over 20 years’ experience in the power sector, spanning executive board roles on leading European Commission funded research programmes into Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) and experience of asset operations and maintenance at Uniper’s Ratcliffe-on-Soar 2,000MW coal-fired power station. Nick is Head of Uniper’s Engineering Academy.
White Biotechnology Lead, Assistant Professor in White Biotechnology
samantha.bryan@nottingham.ac.uk
Sam has a vast array of experience across a range of organisms, with extensive experience in cyanobacterial physiology and developing the biotechnological potential of bacterial chassis, attracting recent funding (>1M) from various sources. Her current research is focused on engineering bacterial chassis to produce bioplastics, hydrogen, ethylene and high value pharmaceuticals.
Principal Research Fellow
richard.campion@nottingham.ac.uk
Dr Richard Campion's research focuses on novel functional material and device development. Research on high temperature superconductors progressed to III-V semiconductor materials leading Richard to develop ferro and anti-ferromagnetic materials for spintronic applications. Current work focuses on novel materials and devices for concentrator solar cell, optical and phonon physics research alongside ongoing spintronic work. Developing interests include materials for photocatalysis and water splitting.
Assistant Professor in Chemical Engineering
ioanna.dimitriou@nottingham.ac.uk
Ioanna's research focuses on Process Systems Engineering for development of algorithms and techno-economic models to describe individual processes and their economic performance. The aim is to determine the economic and technical boundaries of low-carbon energy systems to support policy makers and businesses in decision-making.
Leverhulme International Professor for Hydrogen Storage Materials and Systems
martin.dornheim@nottingham.ac.uk
Martin Dornheim is an internationally recognized leading scientist with a special focus on hydrogen storage and compression. He leads a team of experts exploring green hydrogen technologies, which are set to play a key role in enabling the UK to meet net zero emissions targets.
Professor of Dynamics
seamus.garvey@nottingham.ac.uk
Though originally a rotordynamics expert, Seamus’ research has increasingly focused on energy storage to complement the adoption of renewables into energy systems. He is especially focused on differentiating the different timescales involved and on integrating energy storage directly into wind turbines. Find out more:WindTPGrid InertiaMedium Duration Energy StorageHydrogen Storage in Caverns
Professor of Electrical Machines
chris.gerada@nottingham.ac.uk
Chris Gerada's main research interests include the design and modeling of high-performance electric drives and machines. He is also Associate PVC for Industrial Strategy, Business Engagement and Impact.
Chris coordinates the Energy Institute's Industry Links and Innovation theme.
Director of Resilient Decarbonised Fuel Energy Systems Centre for Doctoral Training
robin.irons1@nottingham.ac.uk
Robin’s work looks at different methods of decarbonising existing industries and energy systems. It includes the replacement of fossil fuels or chemical feedstocks with biomass or carbon-free energy vectors such as hydrogen or ammonia and also the capture and use of CO2 as a chemical or biological feedstock.
Associate Professor of Physical Chemistry
lee.johnson@nottingham.ac.uk
Lee's research focuses on understanding the chemistry that underpins advanced batteries and how this understanding can be used to unlock a new generation of energy storage technologies.
The approach combines electrochemistry and a range of operando analytical methods.
Assistant Professor in Environmental Design and Architecture
lorna.kiamba@nottingham.ac.uk
Lorna's research aims to underpin a sustainable approach to the design of our buildings and cities, by integrating people, processes, and places, to address global warming and climate change.
Current work addresses energy efficiency; just transitions; barriers towards net zero carbon; community energy and community engagement for sustainability.
Professor of Chemistry
peter.licence@nottingham.ac.uk
The implementation of Green Chemistry and Sustainability are key concepts that run throughout Pete's research and teaching interests. The development of environmentally benign materials and products via efficient, clean chemistry is a long-term goal. Pete coordinates the Energy Institute's Training, CPD and Just Transition theme.
Associate Professor, Power Electronics, Machines and Control
liliana.de_lillo@nottingham.ac.uk
Liliana is an Associate Professor and Royal Academy of Engineering Senior Research Fellow for the Power Electronics, Machines and Control Research Group.
Her research focuses on integrated drives and how, by physically integrating power electronics and electrical machines, we can use common structures and systems to greatly reduce, materials and energy consumption. What we learn from this can then be translated into other applications.
Liliana also runs outreach activities to inspire children as young as primary school age to become interested in engineering.
Assistant Professor, Advanced Materials
ming.li@nottingham.ac.uk
Ming studies a wide range of energy and electronic materials, ranging from ionic and electronic conductors for applications in solid oxide fuel cells, batteries, and gas separation membranes, to dielectric materials for high-temperature, high-power electronic components.
Ming's particular expertise is probing electrical conduction mechanisms and defect chemistry of materials.
sanliang.ling@nottingham.ac.uk
Sanliang research focuses on computational materials design, atomistic modelling, machine learning, materials for energy storage and generation and porous materials.
Associate Professor, Sustainable Energy Systems
jon.mckechnie@nottingham.ac.uk
Jon evaluates emerging technologies to better understand the transition towards a low carbon economy. Research takes a multi-disciplinary approach, integrating life cycle assessment and techno-economics to quantify the environmental and financial implications of new technologies. Ongoing research focuses on process technologies for biomass and CO2 utilisation, circular management of wastes, greenhouse gas removals, and transport systems.
Director of the Institute for Policy and Engagement
stephen.meek1@nottingham.ac.uk
Stephen joined the University as the inaugural Director of the Institute for Policy and Engagement in September 2018, following a career in the UK Civil Service. Stephen is also Vice-President of the Universities Policy Engagement Network, which brings together policy facing functions from over 70 UK Universities.
Research Fellow, Engineering
simone.morra@nottingham.ac.uk
Simone’s research focuses on industrial biotechnology for the sustainable production of chemicals. His core expertise is on metallo-enzymes that produce hydrogen gas, covering their discovery, characterisation, engineering and exploitation in vitro and in vivo for green hydrogen technologies.
Associate Professor of Rural Environmental Geography
carol.morris@nottingham.ac.uk
Carol is an environmental social scientist. Much of her research explores the politics and governance of agri-food system sustainability.
She is also interested in the politics of knowledge particularly as this concerns the role of social science in multi/interdisciplinary research programmes.
Professor of Industrial Economics
arijit.mukherjee@nottingham.ac.uk
Arijit is conducting theoretical research in the areas of Industrial organisation and international trade and investment. Some of which shows the implications of international trade, investment and outsourcing on environmental pollution and welfare. These findings are useful for managers, policy makers and consumers.
Assistant Professor of Inorganic and Materials Chemistry
graham.newton@nottingham.ac.uk
Graham's research focuses on the synthesis of complex organic and inorganic molecular systems for applications in small molecule conversion, energy storage, photo-catalysis and the development of functional materials. Graham coordinates the Energy Institute's Fundamental Science and Engineering theme.
Assistant Professor in Environmental Law
maria.paim@nottingham.ac.uk
Maria's work focuses on climate change strategies, in particular the role of law and policy to foster sustainable transition in the Global South, including environmental integrity in the energy sector and market-based mechanisms for forest governance.
Assistant Professor in Law
marianthi.pappa@nottingham.ac.uk
Dr Marianthi Pappa is conducting research on various energy law aspects, including: energy security, regulation of natural resources, human rights in extractive industries, exploration of hydrocarbons in areas of uncertain jurisdiction, and investment protection. Her latest project examines the impact of Covid-19 and energy transition on the petroleum industry.
Professor of Physics
amalia.patane@nottingham.ac.uk
Amalia is interested in the quantum behaviour of electrons in semiconductor nanostructures and their application in photonics and electronics. Her research highlights include the imaging and manipulation of the wavefunction of electrons confined in low dimensional systems, the development of biocompatible nanocomposites based on colloidal nanocrystals and the investigation of novel non-linear electron dynamics.
Associate Professor in Marketing
linda.peters@nottingham.ac.uk
Linda explores purposeful 'market shaping' efforts by firms and recognises that markets are interconnected, networked ecosystems in which change and innovation happen. Collaborative recombination of resources and institutionalisation of practices can shape markets to create new value. Linda's research explores these relationships to determine routes for successful change.
Head of Global Policy Impact
chris.sims@nottingham.ac.uk
Chris started his career in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, serving in Seoul and The Hague. He then worked in and around the voluntary sector, with a focus on education and skills policy.
Chris holds an MA in International Social Policy from the University of Nottingham and coordinates the Energy Institute’s Public Policy and Engagement theme.
Director of CCS and Cleaner Fossil Energy Centre for Doctoral Training
colin.snape@nottingham.ac.uk
Colin's research encompasses novel adsorbents for CO2 capture in combustion and gasification. He also explores efficient power from fossil energy and carbon capture technologies.
Colin's research on hydropyrolysis has gained global recognition in the field of geochemistry.
Associate Professor in Accounting
michelle.stirk@nottingham.ac.uk
Michelle Stirk focuses on how energy, sustainability, and business organisations intersect. She is working with the Energy Institute to form new collaborations in the areas of energy, business, and management control, and explores how these areas relate to society.
Michelle is a chartered management accountant and previously held several senior accountant posts in both the public and private sectors. Her research is interdisciplinary and draws upon a wealth of practical and academic experience gained over 20 years.
Professor of Electrical Energy Systems
mark.sumner@nottingham.ac.uk
Mark's research interests include the control of electrical energy systems and in particular systems which include power electronics. Recent research has explored the development and use of new energy management strategies for renewables and smart distribution systems. Mark coordinates the Energy Institute's Electrification and Electrical Systems theme.
Assistant Professor in Structural Engineering
Fangying.Wang@nottingham.ac.uk
Dr Fangying Wang is an Assistant Professor in Structural Engineering. Her research interests lie in the area of decarbonising construction industries by recycling materials and structural elements, repurposing deficient steel and concrete structural components, technology innovations for reusability, and advancing the development of low-carbon construction materials.
Associate Professor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
robert.wapshott@nottingham.ac.uk
Robert's research centres on small business and entrepreneurship. In particular, management practices in small firms and related areas of government policy that influence these firms’ operating environments.
Robert has also studied knowledge-intensive firms, such as those in business services and advanced manufacturing.
Associate Professor and Reader in Theoretical Chemistry
richard.wheatley@nottingham.ac.uk
Richard's energy related research includes calculating forces between molecules using quantum chemistry and perturbation theory. Equilibrium and non-equilibrium computer simulations and free energy calculations. Statistical thermodynamics and the virial series.
fang.xu@nottingham.ac.uk
Fang's research concentrates on the production and characterisation of advanced nanomaterials and fabrication of related nanocomposites, with a focus on polymer composites, thermal management, power electronic packaging, tribology and metal composites.
nahid.yazdani@nottingham.ac.uk
Nahid has a multidisciplinary background, a PhD in Business strategy, an MBA, a degree in Material Science and Engineering, and a few years of experience in the energy sector before joining the business school.
Using a systems thinking approach to model complex and wicked problems, Nahid collaborates in projects that bridge social sciences and engineering to drive meaningful change in energy policy and practice regionally and in the UK.
Head of Operations
michele.pattison@nottingham.ac.uk
Michele is the Head of Operations for the Energy Institute and has worked for several years in environmental and energy related roles at the University of Nottingham.
Research Development Manager
gordon.arnott@nottingham.ac.uk
Gordon has enjoyed a career supporting research in academia and industry. He began his career at the University of Nottingham in 2001 as an Experimental Officer and now supports the strategic development of research within the Energy Institute.
Senior Research Administrator
ella.crowther@nottingham.ac.uk
Ella is Senior Research Administrator for the University of Nottingham Energy Institute. Working closely with the Head of Operations, Ella supports research, creates content for the website and for social media, organises the weekly webinars, and leads on Energy Institute events.
Business Development Manager
steve.closs@nottingham.ac.uk
Steve has a wealth of experience gained in various roles linked to sustainability and the pursuit of net zero. He joins the University of Nottingham Energy Institute to undertake a pioneering airport decarbonisation study, as part of regional activity surrounding East Midlands Airport.
Senior Research and Knowledge Exchange Strategy Manager
vicki.ball@nottingham.ac.uk
As Research Strategy Manager, Vicki leads the development and delivery of strategies and roadmaps from University down to individual level. Liaising with funders and external stakeholders to drive activities to maximise funding and technology translation opportunities across the discipline of Engineering. With a background in clinical trials and technology based commercial intelligence, Vicki has a specific focus on the generation and delivery of Knowledge Exchange and Impact.
Research Development Manager, Engineering
vicky.hards@nottingham.ac.uk
Vicky's work facilitates individual faculty members and teams of researchers in attracting research funding. Vicky creates relationships, and develops and implements strategies that increase institutional competitiveness.
Research Development Manager, Social Sciences
victoria.hayward@nottingham.ac.uk
Senior Research and Business Development Manager
tim.saunders@nottingham.ac.uk
Tim has a strategic role to support research and knowledge exchange within Architecture and the Built Environment. He builds key stakeholder networks, develops grant applications, and provides bespoke support and advice across the research portfolio.
Programme Manager, Institute for Aerospace Technology
tanja.siggs@nottingham.ac.uk
Tanja is the Programme Manager for the IAT. Working closely with directors, Tanja develops, manages, and leads the programme of activities and provides strategic leadership and management of the highly skilled core team.Tanja’s background is in UK and EU public policy and government relations and she has represented the interests of local authorities, universities and membership bodies at the UK and EU levels, including seven years based in Brussels.
Marketing Manager for the Energy Research Accelerator
nicholas.king@era.ac.uk
With many years' experience in Marketing and Public Relations positions in both the private and public sectors, including the University of Nottingham and East Midlands Development Agency, Nick’s role is to promote ERA's work to a diverse range of stakeholders. Nick supports ERA marketing activities across the eight partner universities and the British Geological Survey.