The Consortium

Dr Neeraj Yadav is a Research Fellow at the Powertrain Research Centre, University of Nottingham, UK, working on advanced low-carbon and zero-emission combustion technologies. Dr Neeraj completed his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Ropar, where his research focused on the development of methanol–diesel reactivity-controlled compression ignition engines for decarbonization and clean transportation.

Dr Neeraj Yadav’s research interests include zero- and low-carbon alternative fuels, emission control, and understanding the environmental and health impacts of engine emissions. At present, he is at UON, working on developing solutions to achieve net-zero emissions for hard-to-electrify sectors.

Sikai has been a member of the University of Nottingham since 2018, where he began his academic journey by pursuing a PhD in hybrid powertrains. His research made a significant contribution to the university’s work in advancing green energy solutions. After completing his PhD, Sikai continued as a researcher at Nottingham from 2018 to 2024, further honing his expertise.

In February 2024, Sikai took on the role of MariNH3 Research Fellow, continuing his work in the area of sustainable energy systems.

Xinyang Hao was born in Shanxi, China. He received the B.Eng. degree in electrical engineering and automation from Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China, in 2015, the M.Eng. degree in electrical engineering from Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China, in 2018, and the D.Eng. degree in electrical engineering from the FEMTO-ST Institute, University of Technology of Belfort-Montbéliard, Belfort, France, in 2023.

Currently, he is a Research Fellow at the University of Nottingham, Nottingham, U.K., since 2023. His research interests encompass the digital twin of electric propulsion systems for aircraft, advanced control of power converters, and fuel cell systems.

Prof. Tao Yang is a professor of Aerospace Electrical Systems and the Director of Digital Twin for Transportation Electrification Laboratory at the Power Electronics, Machines, and Control Institute, University of Nottingham. His pioneering work in power electronic systems and high-speed motor drives for next-generation aircraft has led to impactful collaborations industrial and academic partners globally with over 160 peer-reviewed journal and conference papers as well as five book chapters.

Prof. Yang is an IET Fellow and an Industrial Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. He serves as a Vice President of IEEE Power Electronics Society, providing strategic leadership for the Society’s global membership portfolio and help shape the long-term direction of the power-electronics community. Prof. Yang also serves as the Chair of Technical Committee on Aerospace Power in IEEE Power Electronics Society, Administrative Committee member of IEEE Transportation Electrification Council. Prof. Yang plays a key role in shaping the future of aerospace power electronics and digital twinning for transportation electrification. He also contributes to industry standards as a member of the SAE AE-7M Standards Committee.

Professor of Mechanical Engineering with a background in low carbon propulsion systems within both academia and industry.

Expertise: Hybrid propulsion systems integration, Low carbon engines and fuels (heavy duty and light duty, hydrogen, ammonia, bio and synthetic fuels), Powertrain thermal management (e-machine, batteries, IC engines), Advanced combustion systems (HCCI/CAI, turbulent jet ignition, dual fuel), Sustainable electrical machines and drives (design, operation, manufacture.

Chris Gerada received the Ph.D. degree in numerical modeling of electrical machines from The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, U.K., in 2005. He subsequently worked as a Researcher with The University of Nottingham on high-performance electrical drives and on the design and modeling of electromagnetic actuators for aerospace applications. In 2008, he was appointed as a Lecturer in electrical machines; in 2011, as an Associate Professor; and in 2013, as a Professor at The University of Nottingham. His main research interests include the design and modeling of high-performance electric drives and machines. Prof. Gerada serves as an Associate Editor for the IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS and is the past Chair of the IEEE IES Electrical Machines Committee.

He has secured major industrial, European and UK grants, authored more than 200 papers and has been awarded a Royal Academy of Engineering Research Chair to consolidate research in the field.