Dr Stead’s current research is in condition monitoring of mechanical and biological systems. With a fundamental understanding of friction, wear, and materials he employs acoustic emissions, vibration, force, and imaging to infer insights into the condition of complex systems. This has provided information into the condition of lubricated contacts, machining processes, phenomics for toxicology and the health of bioremediation technologies.
Dr Stead conducted his doctoral research into the reduction of parasitic losses in a cryogenic engine in collaboration with an industrial partner. At the core of the project was a study into high frequency analysis of friction data, polymer replacement studies, and assessing novel bio-inspired lubricants. This research led to opportunities in utilising tribological and metallurgical techniques to assess parasitic losses and failure mechanisms in complex systems such as geothermal drilling, biomedical implants, and polymeric gearing. Dr Stead was the recipient of the Lawrence Arthur Foster Award for Postdoctoral studies awarded by the IMechE, an Industrial Fellowship from the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, and the EPSRC to support his studies.
A keen interest of his is reducing the impact of engineering on natural resources. This has led to collaborations with the School of Biosciences, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences and external partners representing a range of stages of technology readiness from end users to technology providers and charitable entities enabling nature-based solutions in tribology and wastewater treatment. As part of this he developed technologies using the evolutionary behaviour of D. magna (waterfleas) to filter out persistent and mobile chemical pollutants, reducing eutrophication potential, and the environmental impact of wastewater treatment.
Outputs from this project have led to nominations for the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce awards for sustainable technologies, the Rose Sidgwick Founder's Awards 2025 for External Engagement and Impact at the University of Birmingham and success in the Midland Sustainability Awards 2025 Sustainable Technologies category.
Dr Stead acts as the Industrial Tutor for the School of Engineering. Enhancing the quality of employability skills in students, engaging with industrial partners globally to establish partnerships in employability, teaching, and research. This is realised through the establishment of the School of Engineering Employability Network (SEEN), incorporating the Industrial Advisory Boards into Education, Research, and Community; supporting workshops for skills development; and supporting students finding and during industrial placements. He currently leads the Industrial Placements modules, Powertrain and Vehicle Engineering, and teaches on Mechanical Design modules.