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Research Interests

Professor Mizi Fan, Research Director, has both academic and industrial profiles previously developed at the University of Bath, the Building Research Establishment, UK (BRE) and universities in China over the last 20 years: He spent the early part of his career as a university lecturer in natural fibre, composite and engineering subjects before receiving his PhD from the University of Wales, UK in 1997. He then carried out major research and research consultancy at BRE for a period of 12 years before re-entering academics at the University of Bath.  Upon his appointment as Chair in Civil Engineering at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, his research for the next few years will centre on solving the critical issues of future building materials and systems, particularly in nano cellulose and fusion technology, and innovative low carbon materials.

In his research field of Fibre Science and Technology, Composites, Recycling and Zero Carbon Construction, he has an international profile with four international patents, three books, and over 160 journal and conference publications, including top journals in the field such as Materials Sciences, Wood Science and Technology, and Vibrational Spectroscopy. He was the winner of the BRE Trust Award for outstanding achievement in European projects, BRE Trust Award for outstanding achievement in recognition of outstanding success in the EULIFE programme and in winning bids from IRTU, and the BRE Trust Outstanding Publication Awards for the two best papers on Built Environment. In addition, Mizi has been the coordinator of several complex EU Framework projects. He has been appointed (by the UK Foundation of Science and Technology) as UK representative for the Committee of European Cooperation in the Field of Scientific and Technological Research (COST E49 and F0904). He is editorial board member for three international journals, a regular reviewer of several leading journals, and involved in organizing numerous international conferences. Apart from his academic background, Mizi has strong industrial links: His research has been mostly developed in collaboration with leading companies, who have funded him with PhD/EngD studentships and supported his research. He is Principal Scientist associated to BRE, providing expert inputs in the related fields. Mizi teaches all aspects of civil engineering materials, construction, and sustainability subjects to undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Mizi is the Independent (Expert) Evaluator for R&D for the EU FP5, FP6 and FP7 Framework Programme for the European Commission. He is also the Independent (Expert) Evaluator for the Greek Ministry of Education for R&D programme.

Project details

• Co-ordinator: ‘An integrated study of the long term performance of wood composites in floor and roof construction’. EU Project (FAIR CT0540). 1.6million euros.
• Co-ordinator: ‘Enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of wood based composites in construction’. EU Project (QLRT-1640). 3.9million euros.
• PI: ‘Extending markets for composite panels by developing a better understanding of shear test methods and board shear properties’. EU Project (FAIR-CT1638). 1.0 million euro.
• PI: ‘Calibration and testing for the evaluation of plywood glue bond performance’. EU Project (GRD1-20002). 1.8million euros.
• PI: ‘Technology for minimising the environmental impact of treated wood composites’. £816k.
• PI: Reuses of reprocessed used tyres. TYR0003. £200K.
• PI: Composite products from waste paper/paper sludge. PAP091. £280k.

• Technical Leader and PI: ‘Optimally efficient production of high strength natural fibre composites (NATCOM)’. TP/5/CON/6/I/H0565L. £1.8million.
• PI: ‘Innovative composites made from recovered wood and rubber (WOODRUB)’. 2.2million euros.
• PI: ‘Innovative structural building products made from waste: Fire performance characterisation’. CASE/08002699. £78k.
• PI: ‘Novel Biocomposites based on whole utilisation of wheat straw’.  7531. £86k.
• CI: ‘Nanotechnology enhanced environmentally friendly cement composites for construction (FIBCEM)’. 800k euros. 
• PI: ‘Nano technology enhanced straw based eco-building materials and systems’. 11330347. £98k.
• PI: ‘Laminated strong eco-material for building construction made of cellulose-strengthened wood (CELLUWOOD)’. No 277331. 1.6million euros.