Materials and Processes

https://www.carboncapture.eng.ed.ac.uk/membranes-carbon-capture

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, University of Bologna, Italy, 2009
• Master degree in Chemical Engineering, University of Bologna, Italy, 2005

AMIChemE

Council member and treasurer of the European Membrane Society

• Membranes Separation Processes
• Gas Separation Using Membranes

• Membranes
• Carbon Capture
• Gas Separation

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

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

She leads the Circular Composites Engineering Group, focusing on the development of resource-efficient, lightweight materials. Her research embeds life-cycle thinking and life-cycle assessment (LCA) to inform the sustainable design and selection of materials and manufacturing processes. She is particularly interested in valorising waste and bio-based feedstocks as alternatives to virgin materials in composite applications. Her work includes testing for functionality and durability to benchmark the performance of these novel materials.

She serves on the SAMPE UK & Ireland Committee and is a founding member of the Edinburgh Materials Society, an IOM3-affiliated local society.

• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, The University of Edinburgh
• MRes in Mechanical Engineering, University of Limerick, Ireland
• BEng in Biomedical Engineering, University of Limerick, Ireland

• Member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)
• Member of the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE)
• Member of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3)

• Manufacture 3 (MECE09032), 2024/25 - Ongoing
• Professional Issues for Mechanical Engineers 3 (SCEE09001), 2023/24
• Sustainable Energy Group Design Project 3 (MECE09026), 2023/24

Circular Composites Engineering Group PhD Opportunities:

• Surface and Suspension Dynamics in the Alignment of Recycled Fibres (Fully funded PhD)
• Process Development for Scalable and Sustainable Fibre Alignment (Self-funded PhD)

I welcome enquiries from self-funded candidates whose research proposals closely align with my areas of interest. Candidates may also wish to explore available University of Edinburgh Scholarships.