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.