People Biography

Professor Pourkashanian is a globally recognized leader in clean energy research and innovation. He is Head of the Energy Innovation Centre at the University of Sheffield, where he also holds the Chair in Energy Engineering. He serves as General Secretary of the International Flame Research Foundation. He is the managing director of two internationally significant research centers: the Translational Energy Research Centre and the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Innovation Centre. His leadership spans strategic project delivery, cross-sector collaboration, and the development of low-carbon technologies.

Across his academic career at the Universities of Sheffield and Leeds, Professor Pourkashanian has led over 100 research projects with a focus on sustainable energy systems, with expertise in low-carbon fuel production, certification and utilization, multi-scale energy processes, carbon capture, and computational modelling. He has authored over 490 peer-reviewed publications and co-authored several books. He has supervised 107 Ph.D. candidates and over 40 postdoctoral researchers.

Professor Pourkashanian contributes extensively to national and international policy development. He holds advisory roles on key committees, including the SAF Finish Group, Jet Zero Task Force, and the Industrial Decarbonisation Advisory Group (hydrogen theme). He is also a member of the Defence Supply Forum Working Group, a Fellow of the UK Energy Institute, and a Chartered Engineer.

In recognition of his contributions to net zero research and innovation, he was appointed to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s New Year Honors List 2023.