Professor Mohamed Saafi is a Full Professor and Chair at Lancaster University's School of Engineering, leading the Zero-Carbon Built Environment with Integrated Sustainable Energy Technologies (BEST) research group. His multidisciplinary research encompasses materials science, computing, energy harvesting and storage, artificial intelligence, and structural health monitoring, all aimed at fostering sustainable and resilient built environments.
In materials science, Professor Saafi has pioneered the development of novel zero-carbon cementitious and polymer composites using advanced manufacturing technologies. His work includes creating carbon-negative infrastructure materials derived from COâ‚‚ and waste and upcycling plastic waste for structural applications.
A notable project led by Professor Saafi involves developing smart road surfaces embedded with piezoelectric ceramics capable of harvesting and converting vehicle vibrations into electrical energy. This innovation aims to transform roads into sources of renewable energy, potentially powering streetlights and traffic systems.
Additionally, his research explores the incorporation of nano platelets extracted from root vegetables into concrete mixtures, enhancing their mechanical properties and sustainability. This approach not only strengthens concrete but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with traditional cement production.
Throughout his career, Professor Saafi has published over 100 peer-reviewed journal papers, contributing significantly to advancements in sustainable engineering and smart infrastructure.
