Pioneering Research Driven by Leaders in Their Fields

James is an internationally recognised researcher in materials engineering and specialises in composite materials. He is intrigued by the way things are made, how they fail, the materials used, improvement options and the decisions made in developing a specific product. James enjoys working with industry on real-life challenges in materials applications, product design and development. His innovative research into lightweight structures and polymer nanocomposites underpins advances in materials tailoring, structural-property relationships, thermo-mechanical performance, structural design and optimisation strategies in the design and manufacture of components. Before joining the NSC, James worked at Cranfield University, University of London and Cracow University of Technology and was the Associate Dean for Research & Knowledge Exchange at RGU. James is no stranger to the NSC and previously led the Integrated Energy Programme. As Director of Research and Innovation, James oversees the NSC’s strategic direction and spearheads new initiatives, enhancing the centre’s research and innovation capabilities. In his spare time, James volunteers for charitable causes that deal with child education support and animal welfare groups. He also enjoys football, gardening, writing and culture.  

Lynne joined the National Subsea Centre in June 2022 from RGU, where she was the Research Development Administrator in Research Strategy and Policy (VP Research Office). Lynne is a key member of the Centre’s Senior Management Team, leading the Administration team and acting as an interface between the Centre’s academic and commercial functions to internal and external stakeholders, to ensure the efficient running of the Centre and delivery of key strategic priorities. Lynne’s responsibilities include the development of the operational plan to support the research and business of the Centre and building industrial relationships. Lynne has over 30 years of administrative experience in both higher education and local authority settings. Outside of work, Lynne enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, going for woodland walks and supporting the Scotland international rugby team. 

Ryan joined the National Subsea Centre after a diverse career in the energy sector. Having been born and bred in the North-East of Scotland, Ryan has always had a passion for the energy sector and has held a variety of roles, including working offshore as an ROV pilot, Customer Support Engineer, Workshop Management, Project Management, Sales Management and Business Development. Prior to his career in the energy sector, Ryan served with the military for over a decade with the Royal and Electrical Mechanical Engineers. Having such a varied skillset allows Ryan to understand how businesses operate across all departments, from the initial sales enquiry and concept at the design stage to the final completion and installation offshore. In his spare time, Ryan likes to be away in his campervan exploring new places and challenging himself running in the mountains. 

Federica is a Chartered Marketer with extensive international work experience in the Marketing and Communications fields of higher education, research, financial services, fashion and retail organisations. Heading up the Marketing & Communications team at the NSC, she is responsible for developing, implementing and leading all marketing and communications activities to build the centre’s profile nationally and internationally. As a recognised STEM Ambassador, Federica volunteers to inspire and assist young people in exploring future career pathways in STEM fields. In her spare time, she enjoys nature walks, travelling and remaining close to her Southern Italian roots by tirelessly working to perfect her pizza dough and traditional desserts. 

Kumudu is a Senior Research Engineer with vast experience in a range of industry and research environments. His expertise lies in automation, robotics systems, manufacturing, mechanical design and the Internet of Things (IoT). Kumudu manages the NSC’s research lab and equipment and helps set up and run the technical processes. In his previous role as a KTP Associate, he worked on an IoT-based preventive maintenance programme for the manufacturing industry. His previous work experience includes technical management of industrial automation, robotic research for the medical robotics industry and an engineering role in industrial gas manufacturing. Outside of work, Kumudu is fond of classical literature and enjoys watching movies.  

Jinchang’s expertise lies in image processing, computer vision, big data analytics and machine learning. His research focuses on extracting patterns from image, video and sensor data and applying machine learning to derive useful information for smart decision-making. Applications of his research include non-intrusive testing in condition monitoring, smart manufacturing and asset management, quality grading and assessment in food and drink, pharmaceutical, forensics and the energy sector, big data driven precision agriculture and smart cities, geoscience and remote sensing, and medical imaging. Jinchang joined the NSC from the University of Strathclyde, he is now the Transparent Ocean Lead at the NSC and acts as Director of the NSC International Academy and Hyperspectral Imaging Lab. He supports the delivery of NSC objectives in enabling a digital and smart subsea, monitoring subsea energy installations and data validation of digital twins as well as environmental sensing. Jinchang is passionate about hyperspectral imaging, computer vision and deep learning, especially in supervising junior researchers for success. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, travelling, movies and music.    

Ping Ma is a researcher in the fields of image processing, computer vision, AI, multimodal data fusion and machine learning. Her research focuses on using machine learning and AI to extract patterns from multimodal image and sensor data for smart decision-making in various applications, including geoscience and remote sensing, precision agriculture and smart cities, wetland mapping and offshore energy installation monitoring. Ping Ma is a vital part of the Transparent Ocean team and helps drive its growth through funding acquisition and the establishment of the Hyperspectral Imaging Lab. She is dedicated to achieving the goals of the NSC in the fields of digital and smart subsea and energy-efficient built environments. Ping Ma also boosts the NSC's reputation by regularly attending international events, publishing in international journals and conferences and making meaningful contributions. Outside of work, she has personal interests in reading, travelling and sports.

Yinhe Li received his BE degree in Electronic and Electrical Engineering from Northeast Electric Power University in Jilin, China and the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, UK in 2020. He is currently a Transparent Ocean PhD student at the National Subsea Centre. His research interests include hyperspectral imagery, multi-modal remote sensing and deep learning. He is a key member of the Transparent Ocean research programme and is working alongside the team to establish the Hyperspectral Imaging Lab. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, watching live sports and travelling. 

Hamidreza is a Transparent Ocean PhD student at the National Subsea Centre and his research focuses on optical and acoustic image quality assessment and enhancement towards multimodal data fusion for condition monitoring in subsea applications. Hamidreza gained his BEng degree in Information Technology in 2018 and his MSc degree in Computer Science with a focus on data mining in 2021, both from the Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS) in Iran. His research interests include image quality assessment, image enhancement, deep learning and computer vision. In his spare time, he enjoys working out, reading and travelling.

Yanzhi Xu is a PhD student at Northwestern Polytechnical University in China. At present, she is a Visiting Research Student within the Transparent Ocean team at the National Subsea Centre, conducting research in the Hyperspectral Imaging Laboratory. Her research interests include deep learning, image processing and image content forensics. Outside of work, she enjoys exercising, watching movies, travelling and sharing her life.

Yefan Xie received a B.S. degree in Software Engineering from Chang'an University, Xi'an, China in 2017 and an M.S. degree in Computer Science from Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China in 2020. Since 2020, he has been working on his PhD at Northwestern Polytechnical University. At present, he is a Visiting Research Student within the Transparent Ocean team at the National Subsea Centre. His research interests include applied computing and efficient applications. Outside of work, he enjoys reading and swimming.

Hang Fu received a B.S. degree in Surveying and Mapping Engineering from the China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, China in 2019. He is now pursuing a PhD degree in Computer Technology and Resource Information Engineering at the China University of Petroleum (East China). At present, Hang is a visiting research student within the Transparent Ocean team at the National Subsea Centre. His research interests include hyperspectral image processing, applications and deep learning. 

For the past 10+ years, Ciprian’s research interests have included theoretical and practical concepts of artificial intelligence (AI). His research is primarily concerned with evolutionary computation algorithms and their application on complex real-world problems that have solutions predicated on combining simulation, optimisation and data-driven modelling. Ciprian was awarded a PhD in Computer Science in 2015 from the Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU) in Austria with a thesis focused on developing and enhancing multi-objective evolutionary algorithms used for solving computationally intensive optimisation problems. Over the years, Ciprian’s research has been applied internationally for improving hi-tech manufacturing processes, discovering optimal trade-offs in the design of various electrical and mechanical assemblies, modelling and optimising multi-modal transport networks. He has published over 35 peer-reviewed articles in leading AI conferences and journals including: GECCO, PPSN, CEC, Knowledge-Based Systems, Applied Soft Computing, Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence and Information Sciences. In his spare time, he enjoys skiing and basketball.  

John has research expertise in data science and artificial intelligence (AI), which has applications in solving the challenges of energy transition and industrial revolution driven by climate change and technological advances. He has over 25 years of research experience in nature-inspired computing and has founded two spinout companies delivering real-world optimisation to industry. As former Director of the NSC, John played a pivotal role in the official launch and establishing it as a Centre of Excellence for subsea research and technology development. Currently, John has taken on the new role of Professorial Lead in Predictive Data Analytics within the newly formed School of Computing, Engineering and Technology. John is passionate about working with industry to find transformative solutions to challenges and building the next-generation smart workforce for the subsea sector. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, music, travelling and culture.

Thanh received his PhD degree in Computer Science with the Academic Excellence Award from the School of Information & Communication Technology, Griffith University, Australia in 2017. He has research experience in machine learning, pattern recognition, computer vision and optimisation, making novel contributions to a range of predictive machine learning methods, including ensemble learning, multi-label learning, deep learning and incremental learning. Thanh has published 40+ peer-reviewed publications in high-quality journals and conferences. He has won several prestigious awards such as DICTA 2017 DSTG Best Technical Paper Award, ICMLC 2014 Certificate of Merit Award and Endeavour Fellowship from the Australian government. Thanh and his research team at the NSC specialise in industrially applied machine learning and decision support, working with a diverse range of SMEs. Major application areas for this research are hydrocarbon allocation, predictive modelling and maintenance in energy systems, medical images, flow metering systems, subsea monitoring and diagnostic analytics for ocean energy industries, and object detection and collision avoidance. In his spare time, Thanh enjoys reading and watching live sport. 

Lee has worked as a Research Fellow on themes of optimisation and AI at Robert Gordon University and University of Stirling. He has been working in this area of research since completing his PhD in 2016 on the topic of pseudo-Boolean optimisation. Recent work with industrial partners includes various projects building efficient transport models and optimising transport networks. He has interests in decentralised computing, machine learning, functional programming and API design. He also teaches Python for business analytics and is part of the steering group for the Aberdeen Python User Group. In his spare time, he studies Japanese as a second language and enjoys retro gaming. 

Atakan’s research areas include the fields of Computational Intelligence, Statistical Process Control, Machine Learning and Control Theory with a special interest in Fuzzy Logic Theory, Numerical Optimisation, Intelligent Systems and their applications in industrial processes, as well as supply-demand systems. He brings a different perspective to the Net Zero Operations team with his background in fuzzy modelling and control theory. Atakan was awarded his PhD in Pure and Applied Chemistry from the University of Strathclyde in 2020 as part of the European Union Horizon 2020 Innovative Training Network Project, ModLife. Prior to joining the NSC, he worked on process monitoring in additive manufacturing at the University of Sheffield, funded by Innovate UK. In his spare time, Atakan enjoys discovering new music ranging from classical to indie, CrossFit and weightlifting.

Martin’s research focuses on Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) and applying its principles to evolutionary optimisation algorithms. This has led him to work in fields including Staff Rostering and Workforce Planning for the net zero transition as part of the Net Zero Operations Research team. In 2020, Martin earned his master’s degree with Distinction in Data Science from Robert Gordon University’s School of Computing. Before joining the NSC, he had a career as a Data Scientist, specialising in IoT, Data Streaming, Digital Twinning and 3D Modelling for the oil and gas and manufacturing industries. Outside of work, he is a keen amateur cook and also enjoys camping and motorbikes. 

Ellie is originally from Perthshire and received her BSc in Marine Biology from the University of St Andrews in 2017. Following this, she has worked for both the UK and Scottish Governments as a Fisheries Scientist where she developed fisheries stock assessment models and participated in international working groups, growing her expertise in different aspects of fisheries science and management. As part of this, she has co-authored several publications relating to fisheries science. Ellie joined the Net Zero Operations team at the National Subsea Centre in 2023 and her research currently focuses on the spatial distribution of fisheries and potential areas of conflict with other marine developments. In her spare time, she enjoys playing hockey, reading and hillwalking.

Joan's research interest lies primarily in evolutionary computing. His research is mainly based on the study of dynamic optimisation problems, with special interest in permutation problems and online evolutionary algorithms. Joan joined Robert Gordon University in 2018 from the University of the Basque Country and has been involved in his doctoral research ever since. He has several publications in high-quality conferences, including ‘IEEE Congress on Evolutionary Computation (CEC)’ and ‘Genetic and Evolutionary Computation Conference (GECCO)’. In his free time, Joan enjoys cooking, music and sports. 

Truong received his honours degree in Information Systems from the School of Information and Communication Technology at Hanoi University of Science and Technology in 2018, where he was also awarded the Academic Excellence Award. Since 2019, Truong has been working as a Research Assistant at the NSC as part of the Net Zero Operations Research Team. Truong’s research focuses on topics in Machine Learning and Computational Intelligence. He has been participating in fundamental research relating to deep learning, ensemble learning and evolutionary computation. A natural application for this work is in medical images and videos segmentation, subsea monitoring and diagnostic analytics for ocean energy industries. Outside of work, he enjoys reading books and listening to music. 

Tiwonge’s research is focused on the use of computational intelligence techniques in modelling the dynamic thermal behaviour of electrical machines under different operational scenarios. His study also extends to developing efficient and accurate surrogate models that can be used in speeding up optimisation runs in computationally intensive multi-objective optimisation problems. Prior to joining the NSC, Tiwonge worked in developing the internet infrastructure that connects research and education institutions in Eastern and Southern Africa. In 2020, Tiwonge received his MSc in Information Technology with Business Intelligence from Robert Gordon University and a BSc in Environmental Science from the University of Malawi in 2005. In his spare time, he enjoys baking. 

Joseph’s expertise lies in materials science and engineering, with nine years working in the energy sector in Aberdeen. His research focuses on applying computational algorithms to real-world problems at the Port of Aberdeen. At present, he is working towards building a digital twin that can assist harbour staff in their daily operations. Joseph has previously worked on designing high pressure subsea tools for maintaining pipelines using 3D modelling tools and computer aided design. Joseph has previously worked in R&D environments, writing calculations for determining the effectiveness of prototype thermal insulation and working with client facing teams to explain company products. In his personal name, he likes reading and hillwalking in the Aberdeenshire countryside.  

Alexander is an Integrated Energy PhD student carrying out research on blue hydrogen and its policy and environmental impacts on the UK's net zero goals. With a master's degree in Oil and Gas Engineering from Robert Gordon University and five years of work experience in the oil and gas industry, Alexander hopes to develop a sustainable bridge between the current oil and gas industry and future renewable energy systems. Alexander works collaboratively with the Integrated Energy team at the National Subsea Centre through research and project development. When he’s not conducting his PhD research, he enjoys travelling, reading and writing.

Chukwudubem has over 8 years’ experience in the oil and gas sector and has occupied various roles throughout his career. He has vast industry knowledge of complex logistical functions in offshore and onshore oil and gas operations with technical abilities in managing process safety equipment in the industry. Chukwudubem holds an MSc in Oil and Gas Management where he assessed the potential in exploring various bioremediation techniques in the proposed clean-up of oil spill sites in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria. His post-graduate study at Coventry University also exposed him to the application of petroleum economics tools in simulating cradle-to-grave economic outputs of oil well development. As part of the Integrated Energy team at the NSC, Chukwudubem investigates the causative factors of failures in renewable energy projects. His study is intended to develop a sustainable management framework for investment in renewable energy projects. Outside of work, he spends time with family, cooking, watching football, playing board games and indulging in outdoor activities.

Ali is a Research Fellow in the Cyber-Physical Systems team, developing automated tools for subsea inspection. He has a strong research background in developing autonomous solutions for applications such as ecosystem monitoring, behavioural analysis, disease detection and prognosis, condition monitoring and smart manufacturing.  His research interests and expertise are in robotics, AI, computer vision, image and signal processing, machine learning, control and automation. He has several years of research experience in various engineering domains, including biomedical, electrical, and electronics. He earned his doctorate from Kunsan National University in South Korea where his PhD focused on creating autonomous drone systems with abilities to hear and see for tasks such as surveillance, search and rescue. During his studies, Ali was awarded a postgraduate research scholarship. Outside of work, Ali likes to travel, explore new places, read, spend time in nature, work out and watch movies.  

Daniel received his BSc degree in Mechatronics from the Budapest University of Technology and Economics in 2018. In 2019, Daniel graduated from Cranfield University with an MSc degree in Autonomous Vehicle Dynamics and Control. Daniel has previously worked as a Research and Development Engineer, developing software for unmanned aerial vehicles in Switzerland. At present, Daniel is a Software Engineer and PhD student. Recently, he successfully completed a joint Knowledge Transfer Project (KTP) with RGU and Accord Energy Solutions Limited. Daniel's research areas include fault detection for hydrocarbon processes, machine learning and deep learning topics. In his free time, he likes to play tennis and work with drones. 

Dipto earned his BSc and MSc degrees in Information and Communication Engineering from the Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) in 2018 and 2021, respectively. At present, Dipto is pursuing his PhD in Artificial Intelligence at Robert Gordon University’s School of Computing and is also part of the Cyber-Physical Systems team at the NSC. His research interests are focused on data-driven predictive maintenance, fault detection and diagnosis, soft sensors and remaining life prediction. He has published several papers on predictive analytics and machine learning. Outside of his research, Dipto enjoys travelling, cooking and playing video games.