Materials and Processes

My research to date has focused on environmental issues with the development of new materials to improve existing processes (reduced energy costs, alternative to petroleum derivatives) in partnership with industry and academia. And especially since 5 years, I am working on the improvement of CO2 capture process with membrane technology.

• Printing Engineering, Master of Engineering Materials science, Master in Science, INPG, CNRS, LGP2 Process Engineering Laboratory, Grenoble, France
• Materials science, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), INPG, CNRS, LGP2 Process Engineering Laboratory, Grenoble,

• Membrane development for gas separation and nanofiltration, Membrane characterisations, Carbon Capture and Storage, Polymer characterisations

• Research Publications

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom, 2015
• Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Italy, 2011
• Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, University of L'Aquila, Italy, 2009 

• Senior Consultant Engineer, Process Systems Enterprise, London, 2015-2019
• Chartered Chemical Engineer (Engineering Council)
• Member of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)
• Member of the Scottish Carbon Capture and Storage centre (SCCS)
• Member of the Association of Italian Scientists in UK (AISUK)

• Chemical Engineering Design: Synthesis and Economics 4 CHEE10005 - Course Organiser
• Chemical Engineering Design 3 CHEE10009 - UniSim Process Design
• Chemical Engineering Study Project 4 CHEE10009 - Supervisor
• Chemical Engineering Research Project 5 CHEE11017 - Supervisor
• Chemical Engineering Industrial Project 5 CHEE11014 - Supervisor

• Design and modelling of PSA/TSA/CSA processes for hydrogen purification, air separation, carbon capture, biogas upgrade, olefins/paraffins separation and NGL recovery
• Simulation, validation and optimisation of ethylene plants
• Low temperature assessment and flare capacity studies in the Oil & Gas industry

Dr Winifred (Wini) Obande is an Elizabeth Georgeson Fellow in Sustainable, Multi-functional Composites.

She obtained her engineering degrees (BEng and MRes) from the University of Limerick in Ireland, where she was a researcher in advanced polymer and composite materials through the Irish Composites Centre. She then completed her PhD in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Edinburgh. During her postdoctoral research at the University of Edinburgh, Dr Obande led polymer processing research on two projects: ThermoTide – a Supergen Offshore Renewable Energy Flexifund-awarded project extending the research outputs of her PhD to tidal blade applications, and EEMAC – an industry-funded project exploring energy-efficient manufacturing processes to convert bio-based and recycled feedstocks into valuable processing materials.

She is a co-inventor on a recent patent application for Method for Joining Thermoplastic Articles, and a published author with well-cited research outputs on composite materials and renewable energy research. 

Her current research focuses on circular material design and production, with a particular emphasis on low-cost, lightweight composite materials derived from bio-based and recycled feedstocks. She aims to reduce the reliance on virgin resources and minimise waste streams headed for landfills by valorising production and end-of-life composite waste.

• PhD Mechanical Engineering, The University of Edinburgh – 2021
• MRes Mechanical Engineering, University of Limerick, Ireland – 2017
• BEng Biomedical Engineering, University of Limerick, Ireland – 2012

Francisco R. García-García is Senior Lecturer in Chemical Engineering and the Discipline Program Manager for Chemical Engineering at the School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh. He leads a research group working on chemical reaction engineering, which focuses on clean energy production and emission control. His research focuses on the synthesis, design, and development of multifunctional catalytic reactors, enabling the integration of multiple processes within a single system.

Francisco pioneered the use of micro-structured ceramic hollow fibres as a support for catalysts, solvents, and inorganic dense membranes. His expertise extends to the design of innovative materials for hydrogen production, emission control, and carbon capture, with an extensive publication record. His research have received support from both public and industry funding sources. Beyond his academic pursuits, Francisco actively engages in public outreach, event organization, and advocacy activities.

Holding the Teaching Training Course completion, ANECA accreditation for public and private university lecturing, and being a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, he is qualified to teach at both undergraduate and graduate levels in any UK university. With a background in Chemistry and extensive experience in Chemical Engineering, Francisco plays a pivotal role in contributing to BEng, MEng, and MSc programs at the School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh. In recognition of his dedication, he was a runner-up for the 2021 Edinburgh University Student Association Teacher of the Year Award, with finalists chosen by a panel entirely composed of students.

• Doctor Honoris Causa. Department of Chemical Engineering, at the Royal and Pontifical Higher University of San Francisco Xavier of Chuquisaca, Sucre, Bolivia. Awarded for outstanding contribution to the field of Chemical Reaction Engineering (2024).
• PhD in Chemical Engineering. Department of Inorganic and Applied Chemistry at Institute of Catalysis and Petrochemical, CSIC, Madrid, Spain. (Summa Cum Laude / Mention of European PhD award / Extraordinary PhD Prize) (2004–2008).
• MPhil in Chemical Engineering. Department of Inorganic and Applied Chemistry at Institute of Catalysis and Petrochemical, CSIC, Madrid, Spain. (First class) (2004–2008).
• Teacher Training Course. Complutense University of Madrid, Spain. (First class) (2003–2004).
• MSc in Chemistry. Autónoma University of Madrid, Spain. (First class) (1997–2002).

• Gas Phase Heterogeneous Catalysis
• New Material Development
• Membrane Technology / Chemical Looping
• Hollow Fibre-based Reactors Design
• Multifunctional Catalytic Reactors Design

• Member of the Society of Spanish Researchers in the United Kingdom
• Member of the Spanish Society of Catalysis