Lucia Ferrari - Sustainability of construction materials - Best Researcher Award

University of Bologna - Italy

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

LUCIA FERRARI: MATERIALS INNOVATOR 🏗️

Lucia Ferrari is currently a Junior Assistant Professor at the University of Bologna, Italy, specializing in Civil, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering. With a strong academic background in physics and construction chemistry, she has merged her industry expertise and academic research to innovate sustainable materials for construction, focusing on lowering environmental impacts and developing green technologies for the future of building materials.

EXPERT IN GREEN MATERIALS 🌱

Ferrari’s research focuses on eco-sustainable construction materials, especially those that reduce carbon emissions. After 9 years at the CHRYSO R&D center, where she led projects to develop low-carbon cement technologies, she transitioned to academia. Her work at the University of Bologna explores cutting-edge methods for recycling materials, aiming to create durable, low-carbon alternatives that contribute to sustainable construction practices.

RESEARCH ON CEMENT TECHNOLOGY 🧪

Lucia has made significant contributions to the understanding of cementitious materials, particularly through her work on superplasticizers and alternative binders. By studying the physical-chemical properties of polymers and cement, she has developed new products that enhance cement performance while reducing CO2 emissions. Her projects have had a profound impact on improving cement plant efficiency and promoting the use of industrial waste in construction.

LEADERSHIP IN R&D TEAMS 👩‍🔬

Throughout her career, Ferrari has led several research teams, including managing CHRYSO’s Activation/Acceleration platform. She supervised engineers, technicians, and students, guiding research on new admixtures and low-carbon binders. Her ability to coordinate teams, manage projects, and contribute to innovation in construction materials makes her a respected leader in both industry and academia.

FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY 🌍

Lucia’s academic projects, like the study of low-carbon cements, reflect her commitment to addressing the environmental challenges of the construction industry. She explores the influence of porosity and material composition on durability and aims to incorporate sustainable practices in every aspect of her research. Ferrari’s work is driving the construction industry toward greener, more efficient materials that reduce the environmental footprint of modern buildings.

CONFERENCE CONTRIBUTIONS 📢

Lucia Ferrari is an active participant in international scientific conferences, sharing her research on sustainable alternatives to traditional cement. Her presentations on the incorporation of recycled ceramics into limestone-calcined clay cement and the role of calcined clay in reducing cement’s carbon footprint highlight her dedication to innovation. Ferrari’s work not only contributes to academic discourse but also promotes practical solutions for industry-wide sustainability.

COLLABORATION WITH INDUSTRY PARTNERS 🤝

Ferrari has a rich history of collaboration with industry, including her work with HeidelbergCement and CHRYSO. By working closely with both academic and industrial partners, she bridges the gap between research and real-world application, ensuring that her innovations have a tangible impact on construction practices. Her collaborative efforts continue to push forward the development of sustainable building materials globally.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: Reaction of Clinker Surfaces Investigated with Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Ferrari, L., Kaufmann, J., Winnefeld, F., Plank, J.
Journal: Construction and Building Materials
Year: 2012

Title: Characterization of Polycarboxylate-Ether Based Superplasticizer on Cement Clinker Surfaces
Authors: Ferrari, L., Bernard, L., Deschner, F., Winnefeld, F., Plank, J.
Journal: Journal of the American Ceramic Society
Year: 2012

Title: Multi-Method Approach to Study Influence of Superplasticizers on Cement Suspensions
Authors: Ferrari, L., Kaufmann, J., Winnefeld, F., Plank, J.
Journal: Cement and Concrete Research
Year: 2011

Title: Force Measurements by AFM on Clinker Surfaces and Model Systems in Aqueous Solutions Containing Superplasticizer
Authors: Ferrari, L., Haha, M.B., Kaufmann, J., Winnefeld, F.
Conference: 32nd International Conference on Cement Microscopy
Year: 2010

EDUCATION AND ACADEMIC JOURNEY 📚

Ahmed Manni, a distinguished researcher in Materials Sciences, earned his Doctorate in Chemistry with a focus on Research & Development from Hassan II University, Morocco, in 2021. His doctoral research contributed significantly to the valorization of geomaterials from the Moroccan Rif, particularly in ceramics, refractory materials, membranes, and composites. Manni's academic journey also includes a Master’s degree in Materials Engineering from the same institution, where he explored the stability of ceramic tiles. His foundational education began with a Bachelor's degree in Material Science, Chemistry, and a Baccalaureate in Experimental Sciences.

TEACHING AND ACADEMIC CONTRIBUTIONS 🎓

Ahmed has actively contributed to academia as a part-time teacher at the Ain Chock Faculty of Sciences and Ben M’sik Faculty of Sciences in Casablanca. He has taught courses in crystallography, crystallochemistry, cement chemistry, electrochemistry, and practical work modules in glass and ceramics. His dedication to education extends to supervising Master’s dissertations in Materials and Energy Engineering, showcasing his commitment to nurturing future scientists.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN MATERIALS SCIENCES 🔬

Ahmed's research interests are deeply rooted in the synthesis and characterization of refractory ceramics, ceramic membranes, and biosourced composites. He has pioneered the development of low-cost ultrafiltration and microfiltration membranes for industrial wastewater treatment and seawater desalination. His innovative approach uses natural materials like lizardite and Moroccan pyroclast, emphasizing sustainable and cost-effective solutions.

SCIENTIFIC ENGAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY SERVICE 🌍

Ahmed is an active participant in the scientific community, serving on review committees for journals indexed in Scopus, such as the Iranian Journal of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Sciendo. He has moderated sessions and been a committee member for the African Science Week and various workshops on renewable energy and smart grids. His contributions to scientific events highlight his leadership and dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and collaboration.

INDUSTRIAL COLLABORATIONS AND INTERNSHIPS 🏭

During his academic career, Ahmed gained valuable industry experience through internships, such as his role at Cristal Cérame Company in Berrechid, Morocco. There, he focused on the reformulation of constituents in ceramic tile production, bridging the gap between academic research and practical industrial applications.

FUTURE PERSPECTIVES AND IMPACT 🚀

Ahmed Manni aims to continue his groundbreaking research in materials sciences, focusing on developing sustainable solutions for industrial and environmental challenges. His future projects include advancing the technology of ceramic membranes and exploring new applications for Moroccan geomaterials in various industrial sectors. Ahmed’s work promises to make significant contributions to the fields of chemistry and materials engineering, paving the way for new innovations and sustainable practices.