Dr Muhammad Muddasar is an early-career researcher in sustainable materials and energy systems, associated with the Bernal Institute and School of Engineering at the University of Limerick. His academic background spans mechanical engineering, energy systems engineering and materials engineering, with research focused on converting abundant bio-based resources, particularly lignin and other wood-derived polymers, into advanced materials for clean energy technologies. Dr. Muddasar research interests centre on sustainable materials for energy harvesting, energy storage and bioenergy applications. He is particularly interested in lignin-derived hydrogels, porous carbons, ionic thermoelectric materials, supercapacitors, batteries and microbial electrolysis systems for biohydrogen production and wastewater treatment. His work aims to develop low-cost, environmentally friendly and scalable materials that can support the transition to clean and accessible energy. He is also interested in circular bioeconomy approaches, where industrial and biomass by-products are transformed into high-value functional materials. Alongside research, Dr. Muddasar value science communication and interdisciplinary collaboration, especially in projects that connect materials science, electrochemistry, renewable energy and sustainable engineering.
University of Limerick
Limerick, Ireland
Bernal Institute
2025 Kathleen Lonsdale RIA Chemistry Prize
Royal Irish Academy
Awarded for the best Irish PhD thesis in the chemical sciences. Recognised Dr Muhammad Muddasar’s PhD research on lignin-derived materials for energy harvesting and storage devices at the University of Limerick.
2025 IUPAC-Solvay International Award for Young Chemists
International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) and Solvay
Selected as one of five international winners for outstanding PhD research in the chemical sciences. His awarded thesis work focused on lignin-derived materials for energy harvesting and storage devices.
Top Bioeconomy Young Talent Award
All-Island Bioeconomy Summit / Irish Bioeconomy Awards
Recognised for contributions to sustainable bioeconomy research, particularly lignin-derived materials and clean energy applications. Please verify the exact awarding body before submitting.