Dr Yufeng (Y.) Lai is a Researcher in Electronic & Electrical Engineering at the University of Sheffield and the Entrepreneurial Lead of Xerode. He earned a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Sheffield, following a BEng and MSc in Materials Science and Engineering at Shanghai University. His research develops vision-based, non-contact thermal metrology and advanced diagnostics—infrared/hyperspectral imaging and multi-wavelength/schlieren systems—for harsh, reactive environments. Applications span combustion and fire science (flame/soot diagnostics, fire spread and inhibition), hydrogen and alternative fuels, thermoacoustics, steelmaking process monitoring, and additive manufacturing. He has led or contributed to Innovate UK and EPSRC projects and industry collaborations (e.g., Tata Steel), including hydrogen imaging, in-situ characterisation of scrap-derived liquid steel, and near-infrared control of desulfurisation and slag selection. He has been awarded Early Career Researcher (ECR) grants from TFIN+ and SUSTAIN Steel. He has been invited to chair session at the 39th International Symposium on Combustion.