Research
At the Institute for Energy and Environmental Flows, we are driven to research applied problems in order to find out something fundamental about the science behind them.
Our research spans subjects ranging from volcano dynamics, carbon sequestration, ocean mixing and ice sheet evolution, through to microscopic encapsulation technology, fundamentals of wetting and corrosion, flow in permeable rocks, and most recently granular flows and fluid mechanics for sustainability and the energy transition. Our work is characterised by the combination of experimental data, theoretical modelling and numerical analysis to enable quantitative description of many complex and often multiphase flow processes.
Over the past 20 years, our research has impacted many key areas, such as the design of low energy ventilation systems for buildings, new insights into carbon sequestration technology, improved functioning of lubricants, and new encapsulation processes for bio-active washing powders. Current areas of interest include research on carbon storage, low energy building design, electrolytes and batteries, geothermal heat, deep ocean mixing, pollutant transport and dispersion, surface coatings, corrosion, and water management and treatment.
We host a wide range of researchers at the IEEF, from undergraduate students to highly established professors, in a friendly atmosphere that fosters conversation and collaboration. We offer annual fully-funded PhD scholarships and are always interested to hear from researchers who would like to join us or to learn from us. If you are interested in working or studying at the IEEF, please see our list of available roles and projects or contact the relevant member of staff.
Working with Industry
The institute has a long history of working with industry, particularly on new or emerging challenges where fundamental flow processes provide important constraints. Insights from idealised modelling offer a powerful lens for designing and developing new processes or solutions. Analogue laboratory experiments can uncover fundamental processes that are not only of intrinsic scientific interest, but also provide essential information for the development of effective solutions.
The technology underpinning the energy transition is rapidly advancing, bringing new challenges such as limiting or removing carbon emissions while maintaining industrial efficiency. At the same time, the integration of data analysis is creating opportunities for innovation and uncovering new scientific challenges. Collaboration with industry is essential to ensure that commercial and practical engineering constraints guide the development of new innovations grounded in fundamental science.