Dr Theodoros Papalas PhD

• PhD in Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece, 2023
• Integrated Master in Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece, 2018

Theodoros (Thodoris) is a chemical engineer who graduated from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, in November 2018, ranking 3rd in a class of 120 students. In December 2018, he started his PhD in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the same institution, under the supervision of Prof. Angeliki A. Lemonidou, from where he graduated in November 2023 with distinction, a distinction awarded on very rare occasions in the department’s 50+ year history. From January 2024 to March 2026, he worked as a postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at the University of Cambridge, UK, in the research groups of Dr Ewa J.

Marek and Prof. Laura Torrente Murciano. In April 2026, he started his role as assistant professor in the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham.

Through his career, he has developed expertise on sustainable energy technologies through a synergetic experimental and computational approach. His work integrates synthesis and advanced characterisation of materials and catalysts with the thorough evaluation of their performance in bench-scale fixed or fluidised bed reactor systems. These efforts are complemented by kinetic modelling and in-depth analysis of reaction mechanisms. His experimental work is further supported by computational studies, including thermodynamic, kinetic and exergy analyses across a wide range of reactions and technologies. In addition, it incorporates process simulations coupled with energy, exergy, techno-economic and environmental assessments.

Apart from his research work, in September 2025, Thodoris was elected Chair of the Early Career Chemical Engineers section of the European Federation of Chemical Engineering (EFCE). The section supports young professionals as they transition from university to academia or industry, organises events that showcase the career pathways available to chemical engineers and works to bridge the gap between academia and industry in the field of chemical engineering. The purpose of the section is to also provide opportunities for connection, leadership and professional development for chemical engineers, while ensuring that early career perspectives help shape EFCE’s activities and direction.

Accepting PhD students

• Hydrogen production, utilisation and storage
• CO2 capture and (in situ) utilisation
• Chemical looping
• Sorption-enhanced intensified processes
• High and intermediate temperature sorbents
• NOx selective catalytic abatement
• Material synthesis and advanced characterisation
• Process design and feasibility assessment