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UCL MechEng's Dr Leung appointed as Senior Research Fellow by the Royal Academy of Engineering
1 May 2024
Dr Chu Lun Alex Leung (UCL Mechanical Engineering Associate Professor in Imaging of Advanced Materials and Manufacturing) has been appointed as a Senior Research Fellow by the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Dr Leung has been appointed as a Senior Research Fellow by the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng). His project is titled 'Synchrotron calibrated laser processing technologies (SEARCH)'. The RAEng's scheme aims to strengthen the connection between academic research and practical industry applications.
Dr Leung is partnering with IPG Photonics (a global leader in laser technology) to explore new possibilities in laser processing of materials. They are focusing on solving problems in the transportation sector, especially with electric vehicles (EVs).
On his appointment, Dr Leung said:
“"I'm really excited to work with my industrial partner to use synchrotron characterisation techniques to aid the development of user-inspired laser processing and sensing technologies that can help tackle pressing challenges facing in the transport sector."
His project stems from the urgent need to address emissions, where the transport industry is a significant contributor. With more electric vehicles on the roads, Dr Leung's project hopes to address the increased need for better ways to weld materials together. IPG Photonics specialises in providing laser systems for EV welding, making them a perfect partner for this project.
Using advanced X-ray imaging to improve how materials are processed using lasers, Dr Leung is hoping to make the industry more efficient and reliable. By working closely with IPG Photonics, they hope to overcome current technological challenges.
He is one of eight academics awarded fellowships in the announcement from the RAEng. Professor Máire O'Neill OBE FREng, Chair of the Academy’s Research Committee, said:
“"When research engineers partner with industry the innovations can be truly transformative. The wide range of research being undertaken by our latest Research Chairs and Senior Research Fellows illustrate this sort of promise and I wish them all the very best."