The University of Bath is delighted to announce the arrival of Professor Mark Weller to the Department of Chemistry as Professor in Energy Materials.
This strategic professorial appointment will complement and build on Bath’s multidisciplinary expertise in energy and environment-related areas, which is already at the forefront of UK activity and is of international standing.
Professor Weller’s research concerns the synthesis of new cheap, stable and environmentally-benign materials that can be used for energy harvesting and storage. Examples include developing new compounds for use in rechargeable batteries that would markedly extend the range of electronic vehicles and lifetimes of mobile phones and laptop computers.
His research will also involve developing compounds that capture sunlight, converting it directly into electricity or using it to split water to produce hydrogen which can then be used as clean fuel.
His work involves manipulating the compositions and structures of inorganic solids to produce the desired functionality in the product material.
Professor Weller said: “I’m really looking forward to developing many new collaborations with colleagues at the University of Bath.
“My research will integrate superbly with existing expertise and strategic investment at Bath, including the Centre for Sustainable Chemical Technologies and the Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Environment (I-SEE).
“These and other research projects covering areas such as specialist pigments, very lightweight hydrogen-storage materials and routes to the more efficient use of agrochemicals have great synergies with those of many members of staff in the Department.
“I’m also looking forward to the opportunity to contribute and develop the educational resources in chemistry at Bath; this will include the completion of the forthcoming internally-selling text book ‘Inorganic Chemistry; sixth edition’ from OUP, on which I am the coordinating author.”
Head of Department, Professor Paul Raithby, said: “We are delighted to welcome Professor Weller to the Department and we look forward to working with him. Bath is very fortunate to have attracted such an eminent chemist to this key post.
“Professor Weller will add a new dimension to the theme of sustainable energy research which is central to the Department’s science development strategy. He will complement the internationally leading research in this area being carried out by colleagues in the Department, and across the University, and will strengthen existing and build new collaborations both nationally and internationally.
“Professor Weller also has an outstanding reputation as a teacher and his input to our undergraduate programmes will further enhance the Department’s reputation for producing outstanding chemistry graduates.”
Professor Weller is one of 12 leading academics joining the University as part of a strategic investment in research and teaching excellence across all faculties and disciplines.
…………….
If you enjoyed this article you might also like:
Bath is part of £3.5m SUPERGEN Hub to address bioenergy questions, July 2012
Bath showcases latest sustainable chemical technologies, July 2012
Bath is part of £5 million hub to boost solar power research, July 2012