Assist. Prof. Dr. Oriol Gavalda Diaz | Micromechanics | Best Researcher Award

Imperial College London | United Kingdom

Assist. Prof. Dr. Oriol Gavalda-Diaz is a materials scientist whose research bridges advanced ceramics, fracture mechanics, and structural composites. His work focuses on pushing the limits of mechanical performance by combining experimental micromechanics with state-of-the-art characterisation methods. Through his leadership, he has contributed significantly to the understanding of fracture processes at micro, nano, and atomic scales, establishing new pathways to engineer tougher structural and functional ceramics. His academic journey has been shaped by training in aerospace and materials engineering, leading to his role as a lecturer in ceramics at Imperial College London. He has held research positions at leading institutions, collaborated with industrial partners, and built strong networks across academia and industry. Beyond research, he has contributed to education, outreach, and mentorship, inspiring the next generation of engineers and scientists. With more than two dozen publications and patents, his work reflects both academic excellence and industrial relevance.

Professional Profile

Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Education

Assist. Prof. Dr. Oriol Gavalda-Diaz pursued his academic path across leading European institutions, beginning with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya in Barcelona. He then specialized further with a master’s degree in aerospace engineering, focusing on structures and materials, from the Université de Bordeaux in France. Building on this foundation, he completed his doctoral studies in manufacturing and materials engineering at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom. His PhD research combined advanced micromechanical testing and characterisation of structural ceramics and composites, guided by internationally recognized experts in the field. This educational trajectory provided him with an integrated understanding of both the theoretical and applied aspects of aerospace structures, materials design, and ceramic composites. His cross-disciplinary academic formation positioned him to develop novel experimental methods, address complex material challenges, and lead high-impact research in fracture mechanics, ceramics, and composite structures.

Experience

Assist. Prof. Dr. Oriol Gavalda-Diaz has developed a dynamic academic career that spans postdoctoral research, independent fellowship positions, and a lectureship at Imperial College London. His early postdoctoral research centered on micromechanical testing and in-situ characterisation, enabling breakthroughs in the understanding of ceramic and composite fracture processes. He later secured a transitional assistant professorship at the University of Nottingham, supported by competitive fellowship funding, where he led independent projects on fracture mechanics and ceramic composites. Returning to Imperial College London, he took on the role of lecturer in ceramics within the Department of Materials, where he now directs a growing research group equipped with advanced in-situ testing facilities. His teaching portfolio includes undergraduate and postgraduate courses in fracture mechanics, surfaces and interfaces, and structural ceramics. He has also supervised multiple doctoral and master’s students, guiding them through projects funded by both national research councils and industrial collaborations.

Awards and Honors

Assist. Prof. Dr. Oriol Gavalda-Diaz has received several notable fellowships and recognitions that highlight his academic leadership and research excellence. Among them is the prestigious Transitional Assistant Professor Fellowship, awarded through the EPSRC Composites Manufacturing Hub, which provided long-term support for independent research at the University of Nottingham. He was also offered the María Zambrano Fellowship from the Spanish government, acknowledging his international standing as an early-career researcher. His invited talks at major international conferences, including gatherings organized by the European Ceramic Society, UCSB, and the International Ceramics Congress, have further reinforced his reputation as a leading expert in ceramics and fracture mechanics. In addition, he has been entrusted with organizing conferences and summer schools, such as the CASC Summer School in Ceramics, reflecting his strong role in scientific community building. His contributions are widely recognized by peers, journals, and institutions across the field of materials science.

Research Focus

The research of Assist. Prof. Dr. Oriol Gavalda-Diaz centers on advancing the mechanical performance of ceramics and ceramic composites by developing innovative experimental testing and characterisation techniques. His vision is rooted in understanding fracture across multiple length scales, from atomic-level mechanisms to structural behavior. By employing advanced in-situ methods in optical, SEM, and TEM platforms, his group investigates crack-tip behavior, interfacial fracture, and thermomechanical degradation. His work not only advances fundamental scientific knowledge but also has direct industrial applications, particularly in aerospace, energy, and structural engineering. He collaborates extensively with industry partners to explore repair, healing, and performance optimization of ceramic composites under extreme conditions. With over 28 publications in leading journals, his research combines rigorous scientific inquiry with practical relevance. He also places strong emphasis on training the next generation of researchers, embedding mentorship, teaching, and sustainability into his research program.

Publication top Notes

The new challenges of machining Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs): Review of surface integrity
Cited by: 356
Year: 2019

State-of-the-art of surface integrity in machining of metal matrix composites
Cited by: 249
Year: 2019

Grain refinement mechanism of nickel-based superalloy by severe plastic deformation–mechanical machining case
Cited by: 178
Year: 2019

Towards understanding the cutting and fracture mechanism in ceramic matrix composites
Cited by: 125
Year: 2017

On understanding the microstructure of SiC/SiC Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) after a material removal process
Cited by: 113
Year: 2019

Real-time insight into the multistage mechanism of nanoparticle exsolution from a perovskite host surface
Cited by: 43
Year: 2023

Precursor engineering of hydrotalcite-derived redox sorbents for reversible and stable thermochemical oxygen storage
Cited by: 42
Year: 2022

Conclusion

Assist. Prof. Dr. Oriol Gavalda-Diaz is exceptionally well-qualified for the Best Researcher Award. His strong record of publications, successful acquisition of competitive grants, and demonstrated leadership in both academic and industrial collaborations place him among the most promising researchers in advanced materials. His combination of scientific excellence, mentorship, and community engagement aligns perfectly with the award’s vision to honor impactful and innovative researchers. With further expansion into broader interdisciplinary and international arenas, his influence on the future of materials science is set to grow even stronger.

Dr. Amit Kumar Verma | Surface Engineering | Young Scientist Award

Ph.D. Research Scholar at University of Lucknow | India

Amit Kumar Verma is a passionate researcher in the field of advanced materials and gas sensor technology. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. at the University of Lucknow in the Department of Physics, working under the guidance of Prof. N. K. Pandey. His research is centered on the synthesis and characterization of metal oxide-based thin films for humidity and gas sensing applications. With a strong foundation in physics, he has developed expertise in nanostructured materials, ion beam irradiation, and hydrogen sensing. He has actively contributed to multiple high-impact research publications and has presented his work at numerous national and international conferences. Amit is dedicated to the development of energy-efficient, environmentally responsive sensor technologies. His commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and scientific innovation continues to drive his work forward. As an emerging scholar, he is also involved in supervising postgraduate research, contributing to the next generation of scientific inquiry.

Professiona Profiles

Scopus

Education

Amit Kumar Verma began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Allahabad, followed by a Master of Science in Physics with a specialization in Electronics. He achieved a high academic standing during his postgraduate studies. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Physics at the University of Lucknow, focusing on the development of metal oxide-based gas sensors. His doctoral thesis involves the synthesis and structural analysis of nanostructured metal oxides using ion beam irradiation and various deposition techniques. Amit’s educational path reflects a consistent dedication to the physical sciences, with a strong emphasis on applied materials research. Through his academic training, he has developed proficiency in spectroscopy, microscopy, and advanced thin-film technologies. His hands-on experience with analytical techniques and research instrumentation underpins his contributions to sensor technology and nanomaterials development for practical applications.

Experience

Amit Kumar Verma has cultivated a strong research background in materials science, particularly within the field of gas sensors and nanostructured thin films. As a doctoral researcher at the University of Lucknow, he has been involved in the fabrication and analysis of metal oxide-based chemiresistors for environmental and hydrogen sensing. He has gained practical experience through workshops and internships at institutions such as IIT Jodhpur, IITRAM, and the Inter-University Accelerator Centre in New Delhi. His research focuses on thin film deposition techniques, ion beam modification, and characterization methods like XRD, SEM, TEM, and XPS. In addition to his technical work, he has mentored postgraduate students, guiding them in nanomaterial synthesis and device development. Amit has presented his research at several national conferences, contributing actively to the academic community. His collaborative work with multidisciplinary teams has resulted in impactful publications and practical advancements in sensor technology.

Awards & Honors

Amit Kumar Verma has received several recognitions for his academic and scientific contributions. He was awarded the Karmayogi Fellowship at the University of Lucknow in recognition of his research potential and academic performance. During his early academic years, he was honored as a gold medalist in high school and has consistently maintained strong academic results. In addition to academic achievements, he was elected as the Science Faculty Representative in the Student Union Election at the University of Allahabad, highlighting his leadership and peer recognition. Amit has participated in prestigious training programs and workshops, including sessions on ion beams in energy materials and hydrogen gas sensors. His work has earned him multiple opportunities to present at national-level conferences and symposia. These accolades reflect his commitment to excellence in both scientific research and academic service, positioning him as a promising young researcher in the field of advanced materials and sensor applications.

Research Focus

Amit Kumar Verma’s research is centered on the synthesis, modification, and characterization of nanostructured metal oxide thin films for gas sensing applications. His work explores the effects of ion beam irradiation and doping techniques on the structural, optical, and sensing properties of materials such as WO3, MoO3, SnO2, and CuO. He focuses particularly on hydrogen sensing, developing high-performance chemiresistors for environmental and industrial safety. His interdisciplinary approach combines material synthesis using sol-gel, spin coating, and sputtering with advanced characterization techniques including XRD, SEM, TEM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. He also investigates structural modifications using ion irradiation and studies their impact on gas sensitivity and selectivity. His work aims to address the global need for efficient, reliable, and cost-effective gas detection systems. By integrating knowledge of materials science, physics, and electrical properties, Amit is contributing to the development of next-generation sensor devices for real-world applications.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Slope stability assessment of the section along Balipara–Charduar–Tawang Road, Arunachal Pradesh, India
Year: 2025

Title: Tailoring the properties of WO3 via 120 MeV Ni7+ beam irradiation: A pathway to high-performance hydrogen sensor
Year: 2025

Title: Effect of Elevated Temperature on Mechanical and Structural Properties of Bentonite from Barmer, Rajasthan
Year: 2025

Title: Enhanced hydrogen gas sensing performance with Ag-doped WO3 thin film
Year: 2025
Citations: 9

Title: Effect of pore water pressure on slope stability in a heavy-haul railway embankment using a deep learning approach
Year: 2025
Citations: 1

Title: An extensive analysis: Impact of 120 MeV Ni7 + beam irradiation on the structural, morphological, and optical properties of WO3 thin films
Year: 2025
Citations: 2

Title: Cutting-Edge OER Electrocatalysts for Sustainable Seawater Electrolysis: Progress, Obstacles, and Future Prospects
Year: Not specified
Citations: 5

Conclusion

Amit Kumar Verma is a strong and suitable candidate for the Research for Young Scientist Award. His focused work on gas sensors and nanostructured materials, supported by strong publication metrics and technical depth, demonstrate exceptional promise as a young researcher. With ongoing research contributions, mentorship, and increasing academic visibility, he represents the next generation of scholars poised to make impactful advancements in materials and sensor technology.