Civil engineering materials Professor wins prize for research into greener concrete
Professor Susan Bernal Lopez was rewarded for her contributions to materials science and engineering by the IOM3.
Developing new cements and concretes that are greener and more durable is the focus of the research led by Professor Bernal Lopez, who is an EPSRC Early Career Fellow. Concrete is one of the most widely used materials in the world, and as a result contributes to around 8% of the world’s global CO2 emissions.
By studying new low-carbon cements, Professor Bernal Lopez and her team aim to develop sustainable cement alternatives that can be produced from wastes or by-products from different industrial, mining or agricultural processes.
The IOM3 (Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining) recognises personal achievements and rewards researchers for excellence in their published work and contributions to the profession.
Professor Bernal Lopez was delighted to receive the 2020 IOM3 Rosenhain Medal and Prize. She said:
“I feel humbled and honoured to be the recipient of this prestigious award, in recognition of the distinguished contributions my team and I are making to the field of cementitious materials science.
“I have been privileged to work with amazing researchers from different fields throughout the years. This has broadened my approach to research in cement and concrete to drive innovation.”
The University of Leeds is home to leading facilities such as its Centre for Infrastructure Materials, a UKCRIC integrated research capability designed to help civil engineers transform the materials of today.
The Neville Centre of Excellence in Cement and Concrete Engineering is also a valuable point of contact for both industry and academia to drive innovation and research-led education in cement and concrete.
Professor Bernal Lopez added:
“The UK’s research in Materials Science and Engineering is world-leading, and with so many exciting developments going on in this field. It is particularly pleasing that IOM3 recognises the important role of my research in cement and concrete.
...it is important to continue supporting the creation and understanding of more eco-efficient materials for the development of our future built environment.
“Infrastructure is usually taken for granted until something goes wrong. So, it is important to continue supporting the creation and understanding of more eco-efficient materials for the development of our future built environment.”
Further information
Dr Juan Pablo Gevaudan and Dr Alastair Marsh have postdoctoral positions in Professor Bernal Lopez’s team.
The IOM3 awards ceremony is currently scheduled to take place in December 2020, subject to change.
The IOM3 Rosenhain Medal and Prize is awarded in recognition of distinguished achievement in any branch of materials science.
The Materials and Structures research group is part of the School of Civil Engineering at Leeds.
The UKCRIC Centre for Infrastructure Materials is based at the University of Leeds.
The Neville Centre of Excellence in Cement and Concrete Engineering is based at the University of Leeds.
