The Digital Metal CDT brings together leading experts from the Universities of Leicester, Warwick, Birmingham, Nottingham, and Loughborough. Their research spans advanced manufacturing, metals and alloys engineering, digital twinning of manufacturing processes, right-first-time manufacturing for sustainability, and supply chain digitalisation. Together, they provide the multidisciplinary expertise needed to transform the metals industry through digital innovation.
Supervisors (click to view)
| Institutions | Research Area | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr Essam Abo-Serie | School of Engineering, University of Leicester | Cooling efficiency & topology optimisation in HPDC tools | e.aboserie@leicester.ac.uk |
| Dr Mohammed Azeem | School of Engineering, University of Leicester | Microstructure-properties in metals & advanced characterisation | mohammed.azeem@leicester.ac.uk |
| Dr Reza Basirinia | School of Engineering, University of Leicester | Topology optimisation in additive manufacturing | rb662@leicester.ac.uk |
| Dr Victor Cedeno | School of Engineering, University of Leicester | Digital twinning & incremental forming of metals | vmcc1@leicester.ac.uk |
| Prof. Hong Dong | School of Engineering, University of Leicester | Processing of aerospace materials & digital manufacturing | hd38@leicester.ac.uk |
| Dr Gebril El-Fallah | School of Engineering, University of Leicester | Bainitic steels for fusion energy | gmae2@leicester.ac.uk |
| Dr Elsiddig Elmukashfi | School of Engineering, University of Leicester | High-fidelity models & metamaterials for hydrogen | elsiddig.elmukashfi@leicester.ac.uk |
| Dr Bing Ji | School of Engineering, University of Leicester | Shielding & packaging for space electronics | bing.ji@leicester.ac.uk |
| Dr Yang Liu | School of Engineering, University of Leicester | Computer vision for micro-mechanics | yl832@leicester.ac.uk |
| Dr Shiladitya Paul | School of Engineering, University of Leicester | Alloys for CCS & hydrogen barrier applications | shiladitya.paul@leicester.ac.uk |
| Dr Timothy Pearce | School of Engineering, University of Leicester | ML for molecule properties & bioelectronics | tcp1@leicester.ac.uk |
| Dr Harold Ruiz | School of Engineering, University of Leicester | Digital twinning for welding in fusion structures | dr.harold.ruiz@leicester.ac.uk |
| Prof. Csaba Sinka | School of Engineering, University of Leicester | Digital twinning of manufacturing processes | ics4@leicester.ac.uk |
| Dr Xuefang Wang | School of Engineering, University of Leicester | Digital tools in manufacturing supply chains | xw259@leicester.ac.uk |
| Dr Yang Xiao | School of Engineering, University of Leicester | Optimisation of electromagnetic core design | yx224@leicester.ac.uk |
| Dr Jinning Zhang | School of Engineering, University of Leicester | Digital twin for propulsion system control | jz388@leicester.ac.uk |
| Prof. Ashiq Anjum | School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, University of Leicester | Self-learning digital twins & physics-informed ML | aa1180@leicester.ac.uk |
| Dr Daniel Hao | School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, University of Leicester | Embodied intelligence in robotics, reinforcement and imitation learnings for robotic locomotions, data sciences for future digital manufacturing | d.hao@leicester.ac.uk |
| Dr Larissa Serdukova | School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, University of Leicester | Stochastic & vibro-impact systems for metals | ls563@leicester.ac.uk |
| Prof. Shigang Yue | School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, University of Leicester | Robotics, vision systems & bio-inspired learning | sy237@leicester.ac.uk |
| Dr Daniel Bearup | School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, University of Leicester | Modelling and simulation of ecological systems, network structure, and dynamics | djb93@leicester.ac.uk |
| Dr Yakun Ju | School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, University of Leicester | AI-driven surface inspection in metal manufacturing | yj174@leicester.ac.uk |
| Dr Genovefa Kefalidou | School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, University of Leicester | Human-robot interaction, user-centered AI, human factors engineering, and multimodal user experience | gk169@leicester.ac.uk |
| Dr John Drake | School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, University of Leicester | Mathematical modeling and optimization of industrial design problems, automated metaheuristic configuration | jd472@leicester.ac.uk |
| Prof. Paul Ledger | School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, University of Leicester | Algorithms and inverse approaches for eddy current testing in metals, numerical simulation, and digital twins for engineering design | pdl111@leicester.ac.uk |
| Dr Alberto Paganini | School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, University of Leicester | Optimal design, numerical simulation, and optimization for engineering applications | admp1@leicester.ac.uk |
| Prof. Nicola Bateman | School of Business , University of Leicester | Operations & supply chain management in metal manufacturing | nab34@leicester.ac.uk |
| Dr Meng Jia | School of Business , University of Leicester | Circularity & digitalisation in metal industry | mj302@leicester.ac.uk |
| Prof. Cris Bennett | University of Nottingham | Mechanics of Metals, modelling of cold spray particle impact, modelling of mechanical properties, friction stir welding | C.Bennett@nottingham.ac.uk |
| Prof. Philip Shipway | University of Nottingham | Tribology and wear, protective coatings and surfaces for wear | philip.shipway@nottingham.ac.uk |
| Dr James Rouse | University of Nottingham | Creep and fatigue of high temperature components, modelling and testing of additive manufacturing, mechanical properties from novel materials test | James.Rouse@nottingham.ac.uk |
| Dr Chris Hyde | University of Nottingham | Machine learning for plant lifetime prediction, numerical simulation, mathematical modelling | Christopher.Hyde@nottingham.ac.uk |
| Dr Luke Parry | University of Nottingham | Digital metal additive manufacturing | Luke.Parry@nottingham.ac.uk |
| Dr Fang Xu | University of Nottingham | Nanomaterials production and characterisation, coating deposition, materials for electrical revolution | Fang.Xu@nottingham.ac.uk |
| Dr Chris Ellis | University of Nottingham | Machine learning and data-driven modelling techniques to fluid dynamics and turbulence modelling problems | ezzee@nottingham.ac.uk |
| Dr Geert De Maere | University of Nottingham | Optimisation of real life engineering problem, theoretical framework | @nottingham.ac.uk |
| Dr Grazziela Figueredo | University of Nottingham | Machine learning and data science to manufacturing processes | Geert.De_maere@nottingham.ac.uk |
| Prof. Tanvir Hussain | University of Nottingham | Advanced coatings and surface engineering | Tanvir.Hussain@nottingham.ac.uk |
| Prof. Paul Bowen | University of Birmingham | Fracture and fatigue of alloys and composites, crack growth resistance, microstructural failure mechanisms, elevated temperature performance, and component behavior prediction | p.bowen@bham.ac.uk |
| Prof. David N Brown | University of Birmingham | Magnetic materials and their manufacturing processes, including novel compositions and fabrication techniques | d.brown5@bham.ac.uk |
| Dr Biao Cai | University of Birmingham | Synchrotron and neutron-based characterization methods, tomographic imaging, diffraction, and mechanistic approaches for materials development | b.cai@bham.ac.uk |
| Prof. Yu-Lung Chiu | University of Birmingham | Physical metallurgy, microstructural characterization with electron microscopy, small-scale mechanical characterization, and advanced alloys for aerospace, nuclear, and automotive applications | y.chiu@bham.ac.uk |
| Prof. Sam Cruchley | University of Birmingham | Mechanical properties, oxidation and corrosion interactions in high-performance alloys, microstructure optimization through advanced manufacturing techniques | s.cruchley@bham.ac.uk |
| Prof. Nick Green | University of Birmingham | Manufacturing technology, solidification science, shape casting, process modeling, and experimental process development | n.r.green@bham.ac.uk |
| Prof. Sandy (Alexander) Knowles | University of Birmingham | Nuclear materials, advanced alloys for extreme environments (nuclear fusion and fission, aerospace turbines, solar power) | a.j.knowles@bham.ac.uk |
| Prof. Andrew J Morris | University of Birmingham | Computational physics, quantum mechanical modeling of materials, development of the OptaDOS software, and applications to lithium-ion batteries | a.j.morris.1@bham.ac.uk |
| Dr Richard Sheridan | University of Birmingham | Magnetic materials processing, recovery and recycling, rare earth permanent magnets, and pilot-scale rare earth alloy strip casting. | r.s.sheridan@bham.ac.uk |
| Dr Yuanbo Tony Tang | University of Birmingham | Processing, micromechanics, and design of high-performance structural materials including superalloys and titanium for aerospace and energy | y.t.tang@bham.ac.uk |
| Prof. Allan Walton | University of Birmingham | Critical and magnetic materials, processing of permanent magnets, solid-state hydrogen storage, hydrogen processing, coating technologies, and recycling of rare earth materials | a.walton@bham.ac.uk |
| Dr Mark Ward | University of Birmingham | Mathematical modeling and process improvement in materials processing, including remelting, welding, additive manufacturing, and sensing/control techniques. | r.m.ward@bham.ac.uk |
| Dr Nils Warnken | University of Birmingham | Materials modeling, phase transformations, phase-field modeling, thermodynamics of metals and alloys, and microstructure evolution | n.warnken@bham.ac.uk |
| Prof. Paul Withey | University of Birmingham | Casting technology, single crystal casting, grain defects in single crystals, furnace technologies, and production methods | p.a.withey@bham.ac.uk |
| Prof. Steven Kenny | University of Loughborough | Materials modelling, data analytics, machine learning and AI in materials | s.d.kenny@lboro.ac.uk |
| Prof. Moataz Attallah | University of Loughborough | Materials processing, additive manufacturing | |
| Dr Simon Hogg | University of Loughborough | Metals processing and characterisation | s.c.hogg@lboro.ac.uk |
| Dr Mark Jepson | University of Loughborough | Metals in service, characterisation | m.a.e.jepson@lboro.ac.uk |
| Dr Rebecca Higginson | University of Loughborough | Metals in service, oxide formation, characterisation | r.l.higginson@lboro.ac.uk |
| Dr Jamie Christie | University of Loughborough | Materials modelling | j.k.christie@lboro.ac.uk |
| Prof. Claire Davis | University of Warwick (WMG) | Metals. Development of microstructure during processing and relationships between microstructure and properties in steels. Non destructive evaluation of microstructure/defects using NDT techniques and modelling | claire.davis@warwick.ac.uk |
| Dr Zushu Li | University of Warwick (WMG) | Metals. High temperature reactions/ phenomena of multi-component systems in metal manufacturing processes. Sustainable steel manufacturing technologies; Liquid metal processing; Steel cleanness; Mould powders for continuously casting new steel grades; Energy and materials recovery in steelmaking; Metal (steel and Aluminium) recycling | Z.Li19@warwick.ac.uk |
| Dr Michal Auinger | University of Warwick (WMG) | Metals. Thermodynamic modelling at interfaces of metals and oxide systems. Material corrosion, stability and diffusion properties of metal-gas reactions at elevated temperatures as well as modelling (local) electrochemical reactions. | M.Auinger@warwick.ac.uk |
| Prof. Dariusz Ceglarek | University of Warwick (WMG) | Digital/Smart Manufacturing. Manufacturing Systems, Industry 4.0, Laser Beam welding, AI & Data Driven models for defect detection, quality control & predictive maintenance. Real-time variation reduction, closed-loop production systems, Six Sigma performance, assembly processes, sustainability & resilience | D.J.Ceglarek@warwick.ac.uk |
| Dr Pasquale Franciosa | University of Warwick (WMG) | Digital/Smart Manufacturing. Laser Beam Welding, Assembly Systems, Process Monitoring and Control, Applications of Machine Learning, CAD/CAM/CAE | P.Franciosa@warwick.ac.uk |
| Prof. Greg Gibbons | University of Warwick (WMG) | Digital/Smart Manufacturing. Additive Manufacturing; Rapid Prototyping; Rapid Tooling; Novel Coatings; Materials Development; Advanced Ceramics Synthesis and Processing | g.j.gibbons@warwick.ac.uk |
| Dr Mona Faraji Niri | University of Warwick (WMG) | Digital/Smart Manufacturing. Modelling, control algorithms and machine learning for dynamical systems. Energy storage systems, li-ion batteries, battery management as well as electric vehicle powertrain. Optimization of battery manufacturing processes via machine learning, and artificial intelligence. | Mona.Faraji-Niri@warwick.ac.uk |
| Dr Daniel Vera | University of Warwick (WMG) | Digital/Smart Manufacturing. Manufacturing engineering, Data analytics, Computer intelligence, Visual computing and computer vision, Digital system architectures, Decentralised control systems, Complex Adaptive Systems, Emergence and edge-of-chaos theories. | D.A.Vera@warwick.ac.uk |
| Prof. Robert Harrison | University of Warwick (WMG) | Digital/Smart Manufacturing. Manufacturing automation from business, technical and social perspectives. Virtual engineering tools and related engineering services, particularly within the automotive and aerospace sectors. | Robert.Harrison@warwick.ac.uk |
| Prof. Carsten Maple | University of Warwick (WMG) | Data Science. Cyber systems, synthetic data, security, privacy & trust. | CM@warwick.ac.uk |
| Prof. Giovanni Montana | University of Warwick (WMG) | Data Science. Developing and applying statistical and machine learning methods across diverse application domains. | g.montana@warwick.ac.uk |
| Prof. Kurt Debattista | University of Warwick (WMG) | Data Science. Interacting rendering. High-fidelity graphics. Perceptually-based rendering. High Dynamic Range Imaging. Parallel Computing. | k.debattista@warwick.ac.uk |
| Prof. Alok Choudhary | University of Warwick (WMG) | Supply Chain. Developing methodologies, tools and techniques related to the four overlapping supply chain innovation challenge areas. | a.choudhary@warwick.ac.uk |
| Prof. Kerry Kirwan | University of Warwick (WMG) | Sustainable Material & Manufacturing. Sustainable materials, Biomaterials, polymer glazing, environmentally-friendly motorsport, Industrial Biotechnology. | Kerry.Kirwan@warwick.ac.uk |
| Prof. Sai Gu | University of Warwick | Digital Processing. Energy applications, Industry 4.0, bioenergy, carbon capture, materials & digital technologies with a particular focus on developing innovative solutions for sustainable energy & resource management. Examples of work in thermal spraying, bioenergy and the digitalization of process plants, contributing to advancements in both industrial competitiveness & sustainability. | Sai.Gu@warwick.ac.uk |
| Prof. Jihong Wang | University of Warwick | Digital Processing. Power system modelling, control and monitoring, including large scale power plant modelling and control. Energy storage and grid integration. Energy efficient actuators and systems | Jihong.Wang@warwick.ac.uk |
| Prof. Li Ran | University of Warwick | Digital Processing. Application of power electronics for electrical power generation, delivery and utilisation. Power semiconductors and packaging | L.Ran@warwick.ac.uk |