Centre
Imaging, Materials and Engineering Centre (IMEC)
Unit(s) of assessment: General Engineering
School: School of Science and Technology
Research Centre Director(s): Haida Liang
School: School of Science and Technology
Unit of assessment Area: B12
Overview
IMEC consists of five research areas with 65 staff from four departments in the School of Science and Technology:
- Advanced Materials
- Imaging and Sensing
- Medical Technology
- Industrial Innovation
- SOFT (soft matter, organisation, fluids and transport)
Each research area consists of a number of smaller research groups. Much of IMEC's research is multi or interdisciplinary, ranging from more fundamental research in Advanced Materials to applications research in Medical Technologies and Industrial Innovation. IMEC staff collaborate with other research centres in the School of Science and Technology as well as other Schools within NTU and beyond.
Advanced Materials
Lead: Professor Carole Perry
Advanced Materials describes our approach to the design of functional materials from the bottom up. Some of the representative groups are:
Biomolecular Materials Interface Research Group
Works at the boundary between biomolecules and other materials, including applications in health, agriculture and materials design.
Smart Materials
Works at the boundary between biomolecules and other materials, including applications in health, agriculture and materials design.
iSmart Lab
The Innovations in Surfaces, Materials and Related Technologies (iSMART) research group brings together expertise and facilities including thin film deposition, laser materials processing, surface engineering and material process technologies, thin film device fabrication and characterisation, plasmonic structures, and the use of phosphors for sensors.
- Professor Carole Perry (lead)
- Professor Mary O'Neill
- Dr Matt Addicoat
- Dr Andrey Antonchick
- Dr Sophie Benjamin
- Dr Mahdi Bodaghi
- Dr Anthony Fitzpatrick
- Dr Fengge Gao
- Dr Demosthenes Koutsogeorgis
- Dr Cheuk-Wing Li
- Dr Lee Martin
- Dr Daphine Pottimaier
- Dr Valeria Puddu
- Dr Yvonne Reinwald
- Dr David Robinson
- Dr Ahmad Serjouei
- Dr Emma Smith
- Dr Anna Vikulina
- Dr Dmitry Volodkin
- Dr Wenbin Zhang
Imaging and Sensing
Lead: Professor Paul Evans
Encompasses cutting-edge non-invasive imaging techniques, image processing methods and their applications.
Some of the representative groups are:
Imaging Science Lab
Pioneering x-ray technology capable of rapidly scanning for the presence of illicit materials, with impact in airport security via spinout HALO X-ray .
Advanced Optical Imaging and ISAAC Lab
Cutting-edge non-invasive optical 3D sub-surface imaging (Optical Coherence Tomography), spectral imaging and remote sensing instruments, image processing methods, with impact in the study and preservation of cultural heritage assets
Advanced Optics and Photonics
Focuses on the of light-matter interaction with various engineered nanoparticles. The groups expertise lies in high-precision nano-fabrication,cutting-edge optical characterisations and advanced modelling techniques via Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
NMR/MRI Lab
Specialises in non-traditional applications of these techniques, such as the development of clogging sensors for constructed wetlands as well as applications in developing pressure sensitive contrast agents for use in porous media. Other areas of interest within the group include techniques for food authentication and validation.
Mathematics for Intelligent Systems
Develops intelligent data-driven mathematical models for problems arising in both science and engineering.
- Professor Paul Evans (lead)
- Professor Haida Liang
- Professor Mohsen Rahmani
- Dr Ryan Austin
- Dr Martin Bencsik
- Dr David Downes
- Dr Archontis Giannakidis
- Dr Joshua Hill
- Dr Sotiria Kogou
- Dr Rob Morris
- Dr Elmar Slikboer
- Dr Matt Tranter
- Dr Lei Xu
- Dr Cuifeng Ying
- Dr Qimei Zhang
- Dr Jay Silverstein
Medical Technologies
Lead: Professor John Hunt
Application of modern engineering and materials design to medical science including diagnosis, breakthrough therapies, devices and technology to repair, replace, augment and in the future regenerate diseased, infected and damaged tissues using material interventions. Medical Technology Innovation Facility
Optical fibre sensing for biomedical applications
Label-free biosensing using optical fibers, light-tissue interactions for the analysis of molecular mechanisms and functions of DNA, protein and other biomolecules; bio-nano-photonics, biosensors and point-of-care medical devices.
Smart wearables
Smart wearables which unobtrusively collect data for healthcare and competitive sport applications; arrays of vibration-sensors deployed in honeybee colonies to monitor swarm health and inform decision-making, and printed wearable devices for healthcare applications
Medical Engineering and Design
3D / 4D printing, additive and subtractive manufacturing for medical applications, industrial and surgical robotics, Autonomous Mobile Robots, cardiovascular devices, AI, extended reality applications, the surgical pathway and investigative research related to the use of smart materials for medical applications
- Professor John Hunt (lead)
- Professor Phil Breedon
- Dr Abdellatif Abdelgaied
- Dr Xianfeng Chen
- Dr Leiming Gao
- Dr Syed Khalid
- Dr Pasindu Lugoda
- Dr Jason Smith
- Dr Frederique Vanheusden
- Dr Yang Wei
SOFT (Soft matter, Organisation, Fluids and Transport)
Lead: Professor Carl Brown
Materials which are easily deformable by applied stresses. Our interests include squidgy materials (colloids, surfactants and gels), liquid crystals (LCDs, flexoelectricity, nematic micro cargo transport), liquid drops and flows (droplet evaporation, wetting and spreading, de-wetting, flow through disordered porous media), complex fluids and solids (pattern formation, drying, fracturing).
- Professor Carl Brown (lead)
- Dr Kyle Baldwin
- Dr David Chappell
- Dr Lucas Goehring
- Dr Fouzia Ouali
- Dr Amirreza Rouhi
- Dr Mykola Tasinkevych
- Dr Mark Wilkinson
Industrial Innovation
Lead: Professor Charalampos Tsimenidis
The Industrial Innovation theme focuses on bridging the gap between industry and the scientific research worlds. Our research is disruptive and diverse, cuts across several research themes and disciplines, informing and improving both our teaching on undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as relevant industries and standards worldwide on their manufacturing processes.
Our research is supported by state-of-the-art laboratories that enable integration of stochastic and statistical system modelling and optimization, bigdata-aided computer simulations, advanced sensing and measurements to forge ahead developments. We develop digital technologies that are cutting-edge and translational by linking interdisciplinary research in autonomous vehicles and drones, cyber physical systems, digital twins and manufacturing, Internet of things (IoT) technologies, renewable energy, robotics, smart logistics, and wireless communications. Key research areas include:
Digital Innovation Bio-mimetic electronic systems and Smart sensors
High-performance flexible electronics and bio-mimetic electronic systems are pursued for applications in smart sensors, intelligent systems and soft robotics. The interfaces like electronic skin are envisaged for applications in assistive, soft, safe and dexterous robots, wearables and rehab. Key demonstrators for projects are developed under funding from EPSRC, EU and CSIR.
Robotics
The use of collaborative robots (COBOTs) in the industrial setting has grown and continues to grow globally, especially in the context of the smart factory. Humans and COBOTs are ever increasingly expected to share their workspace and associated issues related to workplace health and safety are expected to rise. This research study (Funded by EPSRC & PepsiCo) seeks to further understand the impact on the workers mental health in relation to the task variables. Other projects and expertise include use of autonomous ground vehicles (AGV) interaction design methodologies in industrial scenarios (PepsiCo), Development of reconfigurable 3D printed robots (PepsiCo), soft robotics for touch applications, soft grippers, exoskeletons and prosthetics, game bots, robotic teleoperation and robotic avatars.
Industry 4.0/5.0, Smart Factories and Digital Twins
Industry 4.0 based smart factories are characterised through networked, cooperating modules named cyber-physical production systems. Digital twin is the key technology area developed for design, simulation and optimization of manufacturing processes. Other applications are smart maintenance, reliability, metrology and safe and secure human robot collaboration.
Autonomous Electric Vehicles and Traffic Systems
Modelling and managing the next generation transport systems for Autonomous, Connected, Electric, and Shared (ACES) vehicles. A new mobility revolution is sweeping the globe. The introduction of disruptive ACES technologies is compelling us to reimagine how transport is delivered and promising a new era of safe, secure and enjoyable transport. In order to maximize the benefits presented by ACES, our research focuses on 1) simulation and evaluation of the potential impacts of ACES vehicles, 2) analysis of big and heterogeneous transport data for planning and forecasting purposes, and 3) real-time decision-making support for the next generation transportation systems.
Human Factors and Performance
Improving human performance and wellbeing in a variety of fields and contexts including sports, everyday life and medicine. We draw on our expertise across multiple engineering fields to design products and interventions for people with a range of abilities and needs. Our multidisciplinary methods include experiments with human subjects, equipment and advanced data analysis techniques to improve comfort, health, safety, and productivity. We collaborate with researchers worldwide and with local and international stakeholders on applications for sports performance, human health and safety, and sustainable technologies. The group research focusses on:
- Optimisation of sports performance through engineering design
- Brain and physiological signals for applications in cognitive, physical and environmental ergonomics
- Effects of exercise and extreme environments on physiology
- Analysis of human movement and performance
- Use of wearable sensors, clothing and textiles for ergonomics, performance, health and sustainability
- Product development and optimisation
- Understanding comfort, performance and health in transport systems
- Designing for desired behaviours including sustainability in education, energy, consumer products, transportation and road user safety.
Sustainable Digital Communication and Energy Systems
5G and beyond (NextG) cellular communication networks have the potential to transform many aspects of society, from healthcare to transportation to entertainment, and its widespread adoption is expected to generate significant economic and social benefits. The increased speed and capacity, lower latency and improved network reliability will enable a wide range of new applications and services that require reliable high-bandwidth connections, such as virtual experiences and augmented reality, and live streaming allowing users to interact with digital content in real-time. Furthermore, NextG networks will enable the Internet of Things (IoT) to support a much greater number of connected devices leading to greater adoption of IoT technologies in smart cities and connected vehicles. NextG will lead to improved healthcare supporting doctors to perform remote surgeries, medical consultations, monitor in real-time, and prognose and diagnose patients leading to faster more effective treatments. NextG will enhanced industrial automation allowing deployment of Industrial IoT devices that can improve automation, productivity, and efficiency in manufacturing and other industries. Overall, NextG will create new opportunities for businesses and individuals and shape the future of society in many positive ways that were previously not possible.
The research of the group is focusing on developing sophisticated transceivers using bandwidth efficient communication methods for NextG cellular systems and IoT sensor networks that bridge the gap between practically achievable channel utilisation and fundamental, information theoretical limits, on channel capacity. We conduct research on massive Multiple-Input Multiple Output (MIMO) systems utilizing precoding, error control coding (ECC), and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) techniques. Furthermore, we utilise state-of-the-art big -data simulations that employ Stochastic Optimization (SO) methods and analysis, and Deep Neural Network (DNN) based Machine Learning (ML) approaches to estimate the channel states, to deal and manage interference, and solve intractable inverse modelling and networking problems with no theoretical closed-form solutions.
Sustainable Energy Systems
Sustainable energy is crucial for the future of the UK, as it will help reduce carbon emissions and preserve the environment for future generations. The electrification of the economy through renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power is essential in achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Investing in sustainable energy research and education will not only help the UK meet its net-zero carbon goals but also create new jobs and opportunities. The energy trilemma, which refers to balancing energy security, affordability, and sustainability, can be addressed through sustainable energy solutions. The UK government's industrial strategy grand challenges, which include clean growth and the future of mobility, are aligned with the goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. By transitioning to sustainable energy sources, we can secure a brighter future for the UK and the planet. To achieve these objectives, the groups research focuses on the following areas:
1) Smart-, micro- and nano-grids
2) Integration of sustainable (renewable) distributed energy systems
3) Power and energy systems modelling, planning, integration and operation
4) Energy markets and transactive energy
5) Energy systems integration
6) Application of advanced optimization and machine learning algorithms on energy systems.
- Professor Charalampos Tsimenedis (lead)
- Professor Neil Mansfield
- Professor Shahid Mumtaz
- Dr Shukri Afazov
- Dr Reza Barenji
- Dr Nuh Erdogan
- Dr Walia Kartikeya
- Dr Azfar Khalid
- Dr Duo Li
- Dr William Navaraj
- Dr Ahmet Omurtag
- Dr Tom Rogers
- Dr Farooq Sher
- Dr Vahid Vahidinasab
- Dr Zohreh Zakeri
- Dr Sharizal Sobri
- Dr Zak Mansouri
Key staff
The IMEC Steering Committee consists of the Director Professor Haida Liang and the research area leads: Professor Paul Evans, Professor Carole Perry, Professor Carl Brown, Professor John Hunt, Professor Charalampos Tsimenidis and the B12 UoA coordinator Dr Lucas Goehring.
Paul Evans
Royal Society Wolfson Fellow and Distinguished Professor
Computer Science
Carole Perry
Distinguished Professor
School of Science & Technology
Carl Brown
Professor and Head of Department
School of Science & Technology
John Hunt
Professor/Head of NTU Strategic Research Theme
School of Science & Technology
Charalampos Tsimenidis
Professor
School of Science and Technology Department of Engineering
Lucas Goehring
Professor
Physics and Maths
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Related Projects
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
The Imaging, Materials and Engineering Research Centre submitted impact case studies to REF 2021. 98% of NTU's research submitted to the 'Engineering' Unit of Assessment was considered to be either world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of quality.
Discover the real-world impact of this research below.