Manufacturing

At the Institute of Design, Robotics, and Manufacturing (IDRaM) at the University of Leeds, we are pioneering the development of sustainable engineering solutions that are poised to redefine industries globally. Our dedicated team of researchers collaborates across a spectrum of disciplines to drive innovations that answer today's environmental challenges while preparing for tomorrow's opportunities. Key research areas include:

• Advanced materials development: Focusing on the creation of high entropy alloys, bio-based materials, and recyclable composites to reduce environmental impact and enhance material efficiency.
• Digital manufacturing and robotics: Leveraging cutting-edge digital fabrication techniques, including 3D printing and automated assembly processes, to optimise resource use and minimise waste.
• Sustainable energy systems: Developing efficient thermal management technologies and integrating renewable energy sources into existing infrastructures to enhance energy sustainability.
• Smart textiles and wearable technology: Innovating at the intersection of textiles and electronics to produce environmentally friendly smart garments that enhance human health and environmental monitoring.
• Surface engineering: Advancing the science of coatings and surface treatments that extend the life of materials used in harsh environments, significantly reducing the need for replacements and repairs.
• Tribology and lubrication sciences: Exploring new lubrication strategies that minimise environmental impact without compromising performance, particularly in industrial and automotive applications.

Research team

If you are interested in collaborating with us or joining our research team, please get in touch.

• Dr Mingwen Bai focuses on developing sustainable high-entropy alloys. His work is critical for creating environmentally friendly materials that reduce reliance on rare earth elements and promote recycling.
• Professor Robert Kay explores the potential of additive manufacturing to minimise waste and energy use in production processes, pushing the boundaries of digital fabrication.
• Dr Man Zhang innovates in the field of energy-efficient ceramics, developing materials that enhance the performance and sustainability of energy systems.
• Professor Yu Shi leads research in smart textiles, integrating electronic functionalities with textiles for health monitoring and environmental sensing.
• Professor Nikil Kapur works on optimising thermal systems for better energy efficiency, crucial for reducing environmental impact across industrial applications.
• Professor Richard Barker develops new corrosion mitigation techniques to extend the lifespan of materials used in harsh environments.
• Professor Tim Cockerill specialises in modeling and integrating sustainable energy solutions, enhancing the utilisation of renewable resources.
• Dr Liuquan Yang focuses on advancing green surface engineering practices, which are vital for sustainable manufacturing.
• Dr Masoud Jabbari is a pioneer in advanced materials processing, particularly for energy storage manufacturing, using modeling to optimise production and efficiency.
• Dr Daya Pandey specialises in sustainable energy systems, focusing on bioenergy, waste-to-energy technologies, hydrogen production, and low-carbon solutions. His work transforms waste materials into valuable energy resources, contributing to the advancement of low-carbon technologies.
• Professor Peter Culmer develops environmentally sustainable healthcare technologies and practices – employing responsible engineering and circular-economy practices and working across disciplines with clinical and industry stakeholders.
• Dr Dan Trowsdale develops student awareness of the importance of sustainable supply chains related to SDG 12: Sustainable consumption and production.