PINZ CDT Dragon’s Den Net-Zero Challenge
Left: PINZ CDT PhD Researchers following the Dragon’s Den Net Zero Activity
Front row, l to r: Mohammad Hosseinpour, Abdul Samad, Aditya Tiwari, Alex Bradley, Kudzai Chiwara, Vaishnavi Jambhorkar, Aarcha Kalluparambil, Max Atkinson and Abubakar Kuburi; Back row, l to r: Kypros Iavokou, Sam Bury, Annabel Bowkett, Louise Amor-Seabrooke, Ben Chapman, Zuhair Ali, Robyn Haley, Amy Lumsdon, Salome Usakuhyel Raymond
Right: Dragon’s Den Net-Zero Prize Winners
L to R: Abdul Samad, Aditya Tiwari, Abubakar Kuburi, Alex Bradley, Vaishnavi Jambhorkar, Kyle McLean, Aarcha Kalluparambil & Max Atkinson
PINZ CDT PhD researchers from Newcastle University and the University of York recently put their innovation and communication skills to the test in a Dragon’s Den-inspired Net Zero Challenge.
This interactive training activity introduced the researchers to the fundamentals of pitching net-zero research and technology ideas to potential funders and investors. Working in small teams, they identified a climate or net-zero challenge, proposed a potential technology or research-based solution and prepared a short funding pitch.
Inspired by the popular Dragon’s Den format, each team presented their idea to a panel of judges, demonstrating not only the technical merit of their concepts but also the potential for real-world impact.
Prizes were awarded for the most convincing / investible pitch, for the biggest potential climate impact and for the most creative idea.
The challenge provided students with valuable experience in translating complex research into persuasive, audience focused pitches – an essential skill for securing support for future net-zero solutions.
Congratulations to the prize-winning teams
Most convincing / investible pitch: Max Atkinson, Aarcha Kalluparambil, Abubakar Kuburi
Biggest potential climate impact: Alex Bradley, Vaishnavi Jambhorkar, Kyle McLean
Most creative idea: Aditya Tiwari, Abdul Samad
Special thank you
Special thanks to our judging panel of experts: Dr Anna Zhenova, Founder & CEO of Green Rose Chemistry; Dr Jonathan McDonough, Lecturer in Process Intensification at Newcastle University and Dr Ryan Siddall, Innovation and Partnerships Manager at Newcastle University.
Investigating activation pathways of industry-critical Pd cross coupling pre-catalysts
Johnson Matthey(JM) is a global leader in platinum group metals (PGMs), with over 200 years of expertise in catalytic technologies. The company applies its deep knowledge of PGM chemistry to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from improving air quality to supporting more sustainable chemical manufacturing.
Johnson Matthey has partnered with the PINZ CDT on a project focused on improving the efficiency, robustness, and sustainability of processes that rely on homogeneous palladium pre-catalysts.
Based at the University of York, PhD researcher Ben Chapman, under the supervision of Professor Ian Fairlamb, is exploring chemical synthesis, pre-catalyst screening (supported by high-throughput experimentation and data analysis), and mechanistic studies of Pd-catalysed cross-coupling reactions.
Paula Chirila, Research Scientist at Johnson Matthey, explains more about the collaboration and its strategic importance.
What was the background to the project?
Cross-coupling reactions such as Suzuki–Miyaura and Buchwald–Hartwig are fundamental to the manufacture of high-value chemicals, including pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. At Johnson Matthey, we are particularly interested in understanding how palladium pre-catalysts perform under industrially relevant conditions.
A key challenge is the activation of these pre-catalysts into their catalytically active forms. By gaining a deeper mechanistic understanding of these activation pathways, we can better design next-generation catalyst systems that are more efficient, selective, and robust.
This project aims to generate that understanding and ultimately support the development of improved cross-coupling technologies with reduced precious metal usage, lower waste, and enhanced process efficiency.
Why did Johnson Matthey choose to engage with the PINZ CDT?
Johnson Matthey has an established collaboration with Professor Ian Fairlamb and the University of York, and this opportunity through the PINZ CDT provided a natural extension of that relationship.
The CDT model offers a strong platform for bringing together academic insight with industrial application. It allows us to access cutting-edge research while ensuring the work remains aligned with real-world challenges and industrial needs.
The focus of the PINZ CDT on sustainability aligns closely with Johnson Matthey’s strategic priorities, including our commitment to supporting the transition to a more sustainable and low-carbon economy, as reflected in key UN Sustainable Development Goals such as good health and well-being (SDG 3), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), and climate action (SDG 13).
How are the University of York’s facilities contributing to the project?
The collaboration combines complementary strengths. At Johnson Matthey, we bring expertise in PGM catalyst design, scale-up considerations, and industrial requirements. At the University
of York, Professor Fairlamb’s group brings strong expertise in mechanistic understanding and catalysis.
The university’s facilities play a key role in enabling the research. They are well equipped and shown themselves to be experts at the key technologies that will govern organic chemistry as well as organometallic chemistry. These include advanced spectroscopic capabilities (such as NMR), single-crystal X-ray diffraction for structural characterisation, and high-throughput experimentation platforms
How will a student benefit from undertaking a PhD through the PINZ CDT?
PINZ CDT offers a greater insight into both academia and industry, which gives the student a broader view of the life of a scientist in the academic and industry environments. In addition to core scientific training, the programme offers exposure to areas such as green chemistry, sustainability, and digitalisation.
Below: PINZ CDT PhD Researcher, Ben Chapman
Optimizing Pulse-Jet Cleaning for Sustainable Energy: A CFD Approach to Emissions Control
Founded in 1977, Durham Filtration originally set out to service the oil and gas sector with compressed air and air filtration products.
Since those early days, the company – which is based in Jarrow, Tyne and Wear – has grown to serve sectors including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemical processing and power generation.
It has partnered with the PINZ CDT on a project which seeks to advance pulse-jet cleaning systems for flue gas treatment emissions control in waste-to-energy and biomass combustion plants.
Based at Newcastle University, PhD researcher Mir Zuhair Ali is exploring how to move pulse-jet cleaning systems technology forward through using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methodologies for optimising filter cleaning processes. The end goal is enhancing filtration efficiency, reducing emissions, and improving the sustainability of energy production – aligning with both partners’ commitment to tackling climate change.
The results will feed directly into real-world applications by leveraging tools such as generative design, CAD/CAM and 3D printing.
Barry Goulden, Managing Director of Durham Filtration, explores his company’s partnership with the PINZ CDT – and the difference it is making.
How did your relationship with the PINZ CDT begin?
We undertook a knowledge transfer partnership with Newcastle University to look at how we could apply our existing filtration expertise to the biomass sector. That was highly successful, and the researcher who led that became our technical director, so we then decided that each year we would take a PhD student on, to bring more academic learning into the business.
Tell us more about the project…
Pulse jet bag filters are used to prevent ash, from the combustion of fuel, being emitted into the atmosphere. The filters are regenerative, with ash being deposited on the outside of the filter and periodically knocked off, for disposal, with pulses of compressed air. The project is looking at how this system can be designed in the most efficient way, with the optimal use of compressed air within the system.
How is Mir benefiting from working on a project through the PINZ CDT?
He’s working on real problems. For instance, he’s been able to work with one of our customers whose pulse jets have been performing poorly. That has entailed going on site visits, interacting with the customer, and being part of the wider discussion, so the project is helping him to integrate directly with industry.
Sometimes as an academic it can be difficult to understand the commercial world. But through the PINZ CDT, Mir is gaining an understanding of the commercial benefit of what he’s doing and the tangible benefits to the customer. He can see at first-hand how the pieces of the jigsaw fit together.
What particular capability, available through the PINZ CDT, is the project drawing on?
One of the most beneficial aspects is access to Newcastle University’s Rocket HPC (High Performance Computing) service. We can run the simulations we need to carry out on desktop computers, but that takes an enormous amount of time, which means you need to make compromises. Having access to the HPC systems means simulations can be run much more quickly and with a greater amount of detail. It reduces the turnaround times.
What has impressed you about working with Newcastle University’s Process Improvement Group on the project? Why should an SME with similar goals to Durham Filtration partner with the PINZ CDT?
The supervising doctors and professors see the world through very similar eyes to us in terms of the technology. It wasn’t a case of trying to get them on board – they contributed from day one.
If you’re an SME embarking on a project such as this, it can be a big step. If you pick the wrong institution to partner with, you may never do it again. But the team at Newcastle have been very proactive. And they really believe that everyone involved – the student, business and university – should benefit. They are very focused on collaboration within industry. For students aiming for careers in industry, programmes like the PINZ CDT offer excellent preparation and valuable professional experience.
Below: PINZ CDT PhD Researcher, Mir Zuhair Ali
A group of PINZ CDT Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 students recently represented the Centre at the Inter-CDT 2026 Conference, held at the University of Edinburgh.
The conference gave an excellent opportunity for students to showcase and discuss their research, exchange ideas and build valuable connections with PhD researchers from Centres for Doctoral Training across the UK.
Pictured below at the conference are (L to R): Kyle McClean, Louise Amor-Seabrooke, Abdul Samad, Amy Lumsdon, Kypros Iakovou, Robyn Haley and Dominic Gardiner.
PINZ CDT has recently published its new Directory of Expertise, highlighting the extensive research strengths and capabilities across the Centre.
Bringing together two world-leading groups: Newcastle University’s Process Intensification Group and the University of York’s Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence (GCCE), PINZ CDT represents a powerful collaboration at the forefront of sustainable chemical innovation.
The Directory showcases the wide range of research undertaken by academics across both institutions. It also provides an overview of the specialist facilities and equipment available at Newcastle University of University of York, supporting collaborative research and industry engagement.
We are delighted to share that Louise Amor-Seabrooke, one of our Cohort 1 students, recently joined a panel discussion at Newcastle University to celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
During the event, Louise spoke about the diverse career pathways women take in science, sharing insights from her own journey and experiences working in industry and as an early-career researcher.
Louise’s PhD is delivered in partnership with Biofuel Evolution and Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) and with academic supervision from Dr Sharon Velasquez Orta and Professor Adam Harvey. Her research explores the biological conversion of captured carbon dioxide and waste-derived feedstocks into renewable products, contributing to the development of more sustainable, circular approaches to resource use.
Are you a UK-based 3rd year MEng student interested in research and considering a future PhD? This summer you could gain hands-on research experience through the PINZ CDT Summer Vacation Studentships at Newcastle University.
We are offering six paid studentships, each lasting six weeks and starting on 15 June 2026.
What you will gain:
Paid experience working in chemical engineering research
The opportunity to contribute to a real research project linked to an industry partner
Valuable skills and insight into PhD study and academic research
The studentships are funded by the EPSRC Process Industries: Net Zero Centre for Doctoral Training (PINZ CDT), which aims to encourage students to pursue doctoral research careers in the process industries.
The centre is a collaboration between two world-leading research groups: the Process Intensification Group at Newcastle University and the Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence at University of York. Together, they will train 55 PhD students in annual cohorts through to 2028, helping develop the expertise needed to support the transition to net-zero process industries.
Interested?
Get in touch with us at pinz.cdt@newcastle.ac.uk by 17:00 on Friday 20 March.
On 21 and 22 January, the PINZ CDT Team from Newcastle University and University of York came together to hold our 2026 Conference. The event, held at Newcastle University’s Stephenson Building, was well attended, welcoming around 100 delegates from industry and academia.
Day One opened with technical overviews from PINZ CDT Co-Directors, Professor Adam Harvey and Professor Helen Sneddon. These talks showcased the work of the Newcastle University Process Intensification Group and of the University of York Green Chemistry Centre for Excellence. Following the technical overview presentations, there was an interactive session led by Dr Ryan Siddall, Innovation & Partnerships Manager. The session encouraged open discussion around net zero challenges and future plans within the process sector.
Day Two featured a keynote talk by Dr Mark Corbett, Director of the Biorenewables Development Centre, focussing on the BB-REG-NET project. This was followed by an industry perspective talk on the CarbonNation project, delivered by Joel Caragay, Senior Scientist at Procter & Gamble and Dr James Hendry, Researcher at Newcastle University.
Delegates also heard from EPSRC Portfolio Manager, Karen Davies, who provided valuable insight into the funder perspective.
Students from PINZ CDT Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 presented updates on their projects, sharing progress to date, early impacts and planned future work.
Thanks to everyone who attended the conference, delivered talks and contributed to discussions to make it an informative and vibrant event.
We were pleased to welcome Agilent, Asynt, Huber, Netzsch and Scientific Labs and as exhibitors on Day Two, helping to create a buzzing atmosphere in the foyer of the Stephenson Building throughout the day.
PINZ CDT staff and students visited the University of York’s Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence and the Biorenewables Development Centre (BDC) on 5 December.
The visit to the BDC included insightful presentations from Mark Gronnow and Debs Rathbone, who shared updates on recent projects, followed by a guided tour of the centre’s impressive facilities.
We are very grateful to Mark and Debs for hosting us at the BDC, and to Linda for organising such a valuable and enjoyable visit.
PINZ CDT staff and students attended the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) Tyneside Members Group Annual Awards Dinner on 23 October.
We were delighted to sponsor a table at this year’s event, which provided an excellent opportunity for networking and celebrating achievements in the chemical engineering community in the region.
We were especially proud to see our PINZ CDT Summer 2025 Placement Student, Anesh Tahir, receive the Engineering Student Outstanding Merit Award. Congratulations also to PINZ CDT Summer 2025 Placement Student, Charlotte Mellor, who was runner-up in this award.
