The project strongly emphasises equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in its recruitment, team structure, and management. This inclusive approach ensures a wide range of perspectives and innovation, contributing to a more equitable research environment and fostering talent across genders, ethnicities, and underrepresented groups.
Leadership team
Prof. Magda Titirici- Programme Lead
Principal investigator of the VALUED project, Prof. Magda Titirici, is an expert in the sustainable synthesis of innovative carbon structures and compounds, leveraging bio-derived materials for advanced energy applications. She currently serves as the Director of Research in the Chemical Engineering Department at Imperial College London. In addition to her academic leadership, Magda is the president of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Materials Chemistry Division and holds the prestigious Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Sustainable Technologies. Her work not only pushes the boundaries of materials science but also contributes significantly to the development of sustainable energy solutions.
Email: m.titirici@imperial.ac.uk
Geetanjali Bathina- Programme Manager
Geetanjali is a results-focused, organised, and quality-driven PRINCE2 Agile certified professional with over six years of experience in managing and reporting R&D projects funded by national agencies like the EPSRC. Currently serving as a Project Manager in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London, she plays a pivotal role in overseeing complex research projects, ensuring precise budget monitoring, financial reconciliation, and timely reporting. Her expertise in applying Agile frameworks and PRINCE2 principles enables her to streamline complex project workflows, foster collaboration among cross-functional teams, and ensure that project milestones are met efficiently. Her proficiency with project management tools such as JIRA, Smartsheet, and Azure DevOps enhances her capacity to manage complex project lifecycles. Her dual expertise in project execution and financial management makes her a key asset in delivering high-quality outcomes in innovative R&D projects.
Email: g.bathina@imperial.ac.uk
Co- Investigators
Prof. Jason Hallet
Prof. Jason Hallett is an expert in biomass fractionation using ionic liquids and the scale-up of renewable chemical processes. He serves as the Professor of Sustainable Chemical Technology in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London and is a Co-Investigator on the UKRI Supergen Bioenergy Hub, focusing on pretreatment and conversion. Jason has successfully spun out six companies based on his research in biorefining and the circular economy, with his largest venture, Lixea, recognized as one of the Top Ten Emerging Bioeconomy Companies by Scientific American in 2019.
Email: j.hallett@imperial.ac.uk
Prof. Paul Dupree
Prof. Paul Dupree is an expert in the biosynthesis, structures, and functions of polysaccharides in plant cell walls. He holds the position of Professor of Plant Cell Biology in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge. His research aims to understand the structure and formation of plant carbohydrates to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and plastics, replacing them with renewable and biodegradable alternatives. The fundamental insights gained from Professor Dupree's work have wide-ranging implications for addressing challenges in sustainable food and materials production, aligning closely with the goals of the VALUED project.
Email: pd101@cam.ac.uk
Prof. Silvia Vignolini
Prof. Silvia Vignollini is an expert in photonic structures and biomimetic materials derived from plants. She holds a position as Professor of Chemistry and Bio-materials in the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge and serves as the Director of Research at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces. Her research explores how natural materials assemble into complex architectures in living organisms and how these structures influence their properties and behaviours. By applying nature’s design principles, she aims to develop a new generation of truly sustainable functional materials based on natural resources.
Email: sv319@cam.ac.uk
Co- Investigators 2
Prof. Steve Eichhorn
Prof. Steve Eichhorn is an expert in cellulosic materials, natural fibre composites, and functional materials. He holds the position of Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Bristol. His research applies biomimetic principles from biological structures to engineering applications, focusing on diverse areas such as composites, smart packaging, energy harvesting, and bio-functional materials. A leader in sustainable materials, Professor Eichhorn has a strong track record in advancing this field.
Email: s.j.eichhorn@bristol.ac.uk
Prof. Nilay Shah
Prof. Nilay Shah, OBE FREng, is an expert in process and system-level modelling and optimization, with a focus on life cycle assessment (LCA) of low-carbon technologies and biomass-derived chemicals. He serves as a Professor of Process Systems Engineering in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London. His research interests encompass the application of modelling and mathematical engineering techniques to analyse and optimize complex process and energy systems, particularly in clean energy, bio-renewables, and bio-processing.
Email: n.shah@imperial.ac.uk
Prof. Camille Petit
Prof. Camille Petit is an expert in the design, synthesis, and testing of porous materials for environmental and energy applications. She serves as Professor of Materials Engineering in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London. Her research focuses on developing materials for sustainable technologies, emphasizing their properties and potential applications in clean energy and environmental remediation. As a co-investigator on the Automated High-Throughput Platform Suite (ATLAS), she aims to accelerate advancements in molecular systems, sustainable polymers, and clean energy materials.
Email: camille.petit@imperial.ac.uk
Co- Investigators 3
Prof. Alexei Lapkin
Prof. Alexei Lapkin is an expert in chemical processes development and specialises in machine learning methods and Big Data approaches. He is currently Professor of Sustainable Reaction Engineering in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at the University of Cambridge. His research aims to develop innovative digital technologies to address sustainability challenges in the chemical industry and implement machine learning and Big Data methods to design reaction pathways for a circular economy. He brings to VALUED his experience in modelling complete chemical processes, from molecular modelling to multi-objective process optimization and life cycle assessment.
Email: aal35@cam.ac.uk
Prof. Julian Jones
Prof. Julian Jones is an expert in bioactive glass and sol-gel hybrids. At Imperial College London, he serves as Professor of Biomaterials and Associate Head of Department for Research. He is also the Chair of the Bioceramics Division of the American Ceramics Society and has co-curated the Advanced Materials Roadmap for the World Economic Forum. His research focuses on utilizing biomass-derived materials and synthesizing advanced materials, such as bioglass, known for its antibacterial properties and versatile applications.
Email: julian.r.jones@imperial.ac.uk
Prof. Koon-Yang Lee
Prof. Koon-Yang Lee is an expert in the design and manufacture of lignocellulose-reinforced sustainable composites. He holds the position of Professor in Polymer Engineering in the Department of Aeronautics at Imperial College London. His research focuses on lignocellulose for advanced composite applications and is supported by the EPSRC, the H2020 programme, and both the UK Ministry of Defence and the US Army and Navy. His research interests include the development of cellulose and nanocellulose composites, which can be applied in various fields such as packaging and other sustainable technologies.
Email: koonyang.lee@imperial.ac.uk
Co- Investigators 4
Prof. Martin Heeney
Prof. Martin Heeney is an expert in the design, synthesis, and characterization of organic conjugated polymers. He currently holds the position of Professor of Organic Materials in the Department of Chemistry at Imperial College London. His research focuses on developing innovative classes of conjugated polymers derived from organic materials, which can be applied in a wide range of applications, including flexible, rollable displays, transparent solar cells for smart windows, and integrated sensors.
Email: m.heeney@imperial.ac.uk
Prof. Ifan Stephans
Prof. Ifan Stephans is an expert in the electrochemical conversion of renewable energy into fuels and valuable chemicals, as well as energy storage in batteries. He serves as a Professor of Electrochemistry in the Department of Materials at Imperial College London. His research focuses on the large-scale conversion of renewable energy using electrochemical processes, including the reverse processes that enhance energy efficiency. These insights are crucial for increasing the uptake of renewable energy and developing promising pathways for sustainable energy production.
Email: i.stephens@imperial.ac.uk
Prof. Cecilia Mattevi
Prof. Cecilia Mattevi is an expert in the synthesis and characterization of advanced materials for energy applications. She is a Professor of Materials Science in the Department of Materials at Imperial College London. Her research focuses on two-dimensional materials, including graphene and other nanostructured materials, exploring their potential in fields such as electronics, catalysis, and energy storage. She is also involved in investigating the properties and functionalities of these materials to enhance their application in sustainable technologies.
Email: c.mattevi@imperial.ac.uk
Co- Investigators 5
Dr. Polina Yaseneva
Dr. Polina is an distinguished academic with expertise in sustainability assessment of new chemical technologies and identifying optimal pathways for sustainable transformations within the chemical industry. Before joining University College London (UCL) as a lecturer, she held an independent research fellowship through the Prince of Wales Global Sustainability Fellowship Programme at the University of Cambridge, where she focused on sustainability in industrial chemistry. Polina obtained her MSc in Catalysis from Novosibirsk State University and completed her PhD in Chemistry at Cardiff University. During her post-doctoral positions at the Universities of Warwick and Cambridge, she contributed to several European projects as an expert in sustainability assessment and the evaluation of new chemical technologies. Her work continues to play an important role in advancing sustainable practices in the chemical sector.
Email: py225@cam.ac.uk
Prof. Jenny Nelson
Prof. Jenny Nelson is an expert in the characterisation and modelling of materials and devices for organic PVs and organic batteries. She is Professor of Physics in the Blackett Laboratory and Head of the Climate change mitigation team at the Grantham Institute - Climate Change and Environment at Imperial College London. Her work investigates how changing the structure or chemistry of electronic materials can improve the efficiency of solar energy conversion. In her words, her research aims “to use science to tackle the causes and consequences of climate change and help bring about a more sustainable future than the one we are currently heading for.
Email: jenny.nelson@imperial.ac.uk
Dr. Agi Brandt-Talbot
Dr Agi Brandt-Talbot is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Chemistry at Imperial College London and leads the Sustainable Carbon Solutions research team. She has authored 36 scientific articles with more than 6000 citations and 5 patents. Dr Brandt-Talbot research interest is in creating bio-derived materials and chemicals from sustainable biomass, enabling a more sustainable use of carbon in our economy through the application of tailored solvents, while she enjoys teaching sustainable chemistry at the undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Email: agi@imperial.ac.uk
Researchers
Dr. Parveen Kumar Deralia (WP1)
Dr. Parveen Kumar Deralia is a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) at the University of Cambridge, where he is supervised by Paul Dupree in the Biochemistry Department. His research focuses on understanding the structure of cellulose in both its native and processed states using solid-state NMR techniques. With firsthand experience in lignocellulosics and bio-based materials, Parveen is excited about the opportunities presented by the VALUED program. This initiative not only allows him to apply his existing skills but also to expand his knowledge and expertise in the field.
Email: pd524@cam.ac.uk
Dr. Robert Hunter (WP2)
Dr. Robert Hunter is a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) at Imperial College London, supervised by Magda Titirici and Agi Brandt-Talbot. His research focuses on developing sustainable carbon fibers from lignin. Robert completed his PhD in 2022 at the University of Birmingham, where he worked with Dr. Zoe Schnepp on synthesizing nanostructured graphitic carbons from biomass. After a year in industry, he joined Imperial College London in 2023. The multidisciplinary nature of the VALUED program greatly appeals to him, providing opportunities to learn from and collaborate with a talented team of researchers dedicated to addressing sustainability challenges from innovative perspectives.
Email: r.hunter@imperial.ac.uk
Dr. Chinomso Ewulonu (WP2 and WP3)
Dr. Chinomso Ewulonu is a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) at the University of Bristol, working under Professor Stephen Eichhorn. His project focuses on converting cellulose sources into sustainable spun fibers, cellulose nanocrystals, and cellulose nanofibrils for use in composite materials. With several years of experience in formulating natural fiber-based composites, he has developed specialized skills in utilizing lignin-containing cellulose nano/microfibrils. Chinomso is particularly interested in the VALUED project for the opportunity to contribute to teams working towards the UK’s Net Zero goals.
Email: cm.ewulonu@bristol.ac.uk
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Dr. Haffsah Iqbal (WP2 and WP3)
Dr. Haffsah Iqbal is a Research Associate at Imperial College London, supervised by Prof. Julian R. Jones and Prof. Koon Yang Lee. Her project focuses on utilizing chitosan extracted from biomass to synthesize covalently bonded organic/inorganic hybrid materials, which are processed into 3D printable inks or resins. She enhances these materials by incorporating cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) or cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) to create a gyroid structure with exceptional mechanical properties. With three years of experience in biopolymer extraction and applications in composite materials, Haffsah has a strong background in stereolithography methods from her PhD and postdoctoral research. Her previous work on developing new materials, including photocurable and hybrid inks using biodegradable components, has motivated her to pursue this project, which she sees as an excellent opportunity to expand her expertise in sustainability—a crucial focus in contemporary research.
Email: h.iqbal18@imperial.ac.uk
Dr. Qiao He (WP2)
Dr. Qiao He is a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) at Imperial College London, under the supervision of Martin Heeney. His research focuses on developing conjugated polymers derived from bio renewable resources for energy storage applications. With extensive experience in the design and synthesis of novel organic semiconducting materials, Qiao has successfully integrated these materials into various energy-harvesting devices. He is committed to advancing sustainable technologies through innovative research.
Email: q.he16@imperial.ac.uk
Dr. Bruno Frka-Petesic (WP3)
Dr. Bruno Frka-Petesic is a Senior Research Associate (SRA) at the University of Cambridge, specializing in the self-assembly of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) for optical materials under the guidance of Silvia Vignolini. His research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of self-assembly, including the properties of starting materials and methodologies to control their assembly under various conditions, as well as characterizing the resulting optical properties. With extensive experience in the valorization of CNCs, Bruno values the collaborative environment provided by the VALUED project, which integrates diverse disciplines related to biomass valorization—from extraction and characterization to transformation and engineering. This project not only fosters real-world applications but also emphasizes energy, environmental, and financial considerations through life-cycle analysis. Bruno appreciates the opportunity to work with leading experts and is committed to building a robust network for his future career development.
Email: bf284@cam.ac.uk
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Dr. Kalpana Balaskandan (WP3)
Dr. Kalpana Balaskandan is a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in the Chemical Engineering and Materials Department at Imperial College London, working under the supervision of Magda Titirici, Cecilia Mattevi, and Ifan Stephens. Her research involves fabricating thick, low tortuosity carbon-based electrodes using additive manufacturing techniques like 3D printing. Kalpana holds a PhD in Materials Chemistry, where her project focused on structural energy storage, specifically preparing carbon nanotube dispersions for the development of carbon-based electrodes in structural supercapacitors.
Email: k.balaskandan17@imperial.ac.uk
Dr. Richard Parker (WP3)
Dr. Richard Parker is a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) at the University of Cambridge in the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, supervised by Prof. Silvia Vignolini. His research focuses on replacing synthetic dyes and inorganic pigments with sustainable, biocompatible alternatives. As part of the VALUED program, Richard explores scalable strategies like inkjet printing, spray deposition, and blade coating to produce structurally colored pigments and coatings from renewable biomaterials, particularly cellulose nanocrystals. His prior experience in controlling self-assembly processes in emulsified and sessile drops has equipped him with the skills to develop innovative photonic colorants with enhanced functionality.
Email: Contact project key contacts
Dr. Hang Yu (WP3)
Dr. Hang Yu is a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) at Imperial College London, supervised by Jenny Nelson, and his VALUED project focuses on the design, characterization, and simulation of bio-derived mixed ionic-electronic conducting conjugated polymers for energy storage devices. During his PhD at Imperial College, Hang specialized in these polymers, developing a versatile skill set in material characterization and simulation. He recognizes the need for sustainable solutions and aims to transition from oil-derived materials to bio-derived alternatives, which could significantly contribute to environmental protection and climate change mitigation.
Email: h.yu19@imperial.ac.uk
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Dr. Sushila Marlow (WP4)
Dr. Sushila Marlow is a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) at Imperial College London, working under Camille Petit and Magda Titirici. Her research focuses on the high-throughput synthesis of advanced materials using machine learning, particularly in biomass oxidation to create valuable chemicals from low-value bio-derived feedstocks. With a strong background in sustainable technologies, she has previously synthesized non-metal catalysts for hydrogen fuel cells and worked on biomass valorization for biofuels. Sushila's experience includes high time-resolution measurements at synchrotron facilities, and she is dedicated to contributing to cutting-edge technologies for a greener future through her role in the VALUED project.
Email: s.marlow@imperial.ac.uk
Dr. Jiyizhe Zhang (WP4)
Dr. Jiyizhe Zhang is a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) at the University of Cambridge, working under Prof. Alexei Lapkin in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology. Her research focuses on accelerating chemical process development through machine learning, aiming to enhance the efficiency and impact of innovative processes for high-valued chemicals. Jiyizhe is passionate about sustainable solutions, and the VALUED project aligns perfectly with her interests, allowing her to leverage her expertise in machine learning to contribute to advancements in sustainable chemical production.
Email: jz596@cam.ac.uk
Dr. Niamh Hartley (WP3)
Dr. Niamh Hartley is a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) at Imperial College London, working under Magda Titirici in the Department of Chemical Engineering. Her research focuses on the structural fundamentals of hard carbon derived from biomass sources for sodium-ion battery applications. Niamh completed her PhD at the University of Cambridge, where she synthesized carbon materials for electrochemical carbon dioxide capture. She chose to work on the VALUED project to remain in the sustainability field and to collaborate with professionals from diverse disciplines, gaining new perspectives on her research.
Email: niamh.hartley@imperial.ac.uk
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Dr. Rukaya Ibrahim Muazu (WP5)
Dr. Rukayya Ibrahim Muazu is a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) at Imperial College London, where she works on the VALUED project under the guidance of Prof. Nilay Shah and Prof. Magda Titirici. Her research focuses on sustainability assessments of various technologies and pathways for bioderived advanced materials, evaluating their environmental, economic, and social impacts throughout their life cycles. Rukayya holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering and Energy Systems from University College London, and her interdisciplinary experience includes developing innovative tools for environmental impact assessment, particularly for solid biofuels and circular economy frameworks for plastics. Before joining Imperial, she was a Research Associate at the University of Surrey, specializing in life cycle sustainability assessments of bio electrochemical and bioenergy systems. Rukayya is committed to addressing technological challenges and contributing to Net-zero objectives through her research, which emphasizes collaboration between academia and industry.
Email:
Andrew Kyriacou (WP2)
Andrew Kyriacou is a PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge and Domino Printing Sciences, supervised by Silvia Vignolini. His research focuses on the synthesis and application of block copolymers containing cellulose esters, which serve as effective pigment dispersing agents that can replace traditional petrochemical-based dispersants. Prior to his PhD, Andrew worked on enhancing the sustainability of printing inks by integrating bio-sourced materials into ink formulations, including two collaborative projects with Silvia Vignolini. Now in his third year of study, he is dedicated to developing new polymers that align with the goals of the VALUED program, contributing to more sustainable practices in the printing industry.
Email: kb741@cam.ac.uk
Kevin Ballu (WP2)
Kevin Ballu is a PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge, within the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, supervised by Silvia Vignolini. His research involves investigating the parameters influencing the extraction of cellulose nanocrystals to optimize their properties. With a background in soft matter and food sciences, Kevin aims to deepen the understanding of cellulose nanocrystals for various applications.
Email: kb741@cam.ac.uk
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Helen Tyrrell (WP3)
Helen Tyrrell is a PhD candidate at Imperial College London, supervised by Magda Titirici. Her research focuses on the valorisation of waste materials to produce green hydrogen and chemicals through electrochemical processes. Helen's project aligns closely with the work of Postdoctoral Research Associates within the VALUED program, fostering beneficial collaborations that enhance her research efforts. She is dedicated to contributing to sustainable solutions in chemical engineering.
Email: h.tyrrell21@imperial.ac.uk
Hanzhi Ye (WP3)
Hanzhi Ye is a PhD candidate in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London, working under Magda Titirici. Her research focuses on the electrochemical upcycling of glycerol to produce value-added chemicals and green hydrogen. Hanzhi values the opportunity to collaborate with professionals from various academic anHanzhi Ye is a PhD candidate in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London, working under Magda Titirici. Her research focuses on the electrochemical upcycling of glycerol to produce value-added chemicals and green hydrogen. Hanzhi values the opportunity to collaborate with professionals from various academic and industrial sectors, enhancing her knowledge and fostering interdisciplinary partnerships. d industrial sectors, enhancing her knowledge and fostering interdisciplinary partnerships.
Email: hanzhi.ye20@imperial.ac.uk
Dr. Jesus Barrio Hermida (WP2)
Dr. Jesús Barrio Hermida is an Associated Research Fellow in the Materials and Electrochemistry group at the Chemical Engineering Department of Imperial College London. His research focuses on the design of sustainable materials for electrochemical energy technologies, specifically hydrogen fuel cells and carbon dioxide electrolysis. With a PhD in photo-electrochemical systems and postdoctoral experience in carbon-based single site catalysts for electrocatalysis, Dr. Barrio Hermida aims to develop innovative solutions for renewable energy and environmental sustainability. His contributions to the field are well-documented in various scientific publications, underscoring his commitment to advancing materials science and electrochemistry.
Email: j.barrio-hermida@imperial.ac.uk
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Dr. Antonio Ovejero (WP1)
Antonio Ovejero is a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) at Imperial College London, supervised by Jason Hallett. His work focuses on providing biomass fractions to other work packages, facilitating the development of materials from these resources. With a background in chemical engineering, Antonio completed his PhD on biomass fractionation using ionic liquids, where he successfully separated biomass into its main components for further valorisation. His expertise in the field has led him to join the VALUED program as a collaborator, contributing to innovative research on sustainable biomass utilisation.
Email: a.ovejero21@imperial.ac.uk
Dr. Pedro Nakasu (WP1)
Pedro Nakasu is a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) at Imperial College London, under the supervision of Jason Hallett. His research focuses on the sustainable fractionation of lignocellulosic and shellfish biomass to produce biomaterials and biofuels. With a background in pretreatment and fractionation of plant waste during his PhD, Pedro began his postdoctoral work in 2021, exploring the valorisation of Brewer's spent grain using ionic liquids. He has also investigated the application of ionic liquids in extracting protein and chitin from squid and lobster waste. Pedro chose to participate in the VALUED program for its robust infrastructure and networking opportunities, which he believes will enhance his career in sustainable biomass utilisation.
Email: p.souza-nakasu17@imperial.ac.uk
Sarah Seidner (WP1)
Sarah Seidner is a PhD candidate at Imperial College London, supervised by Jason Hallett. Her research focuses on the effective and selective fractionation of biomass using ionic liquids for future applications. Sarah believes that the VALUED project provides an exceptional opportunity to tailor her PhD towards real-world applications. The collaboration across diverse fields and research areas is a unique experience that sets this project apart in today's research landscape.
Email: s.seidner20@imperial.ac.uk