Dr Declan Carolan
PhD
Senior Lecturer in Aerospace Materials
Engineering 337
| Feedback/ support hours: |
Monday 13.00-14.00 in person Wednesday 15.30-17.00 online |
| Expertise: |
I develop new materials that are lighter, tougher, and more sustainable, aimed at solving urgent challenges in aerospace, transport, and energy. My expertise lies in fundamental fracture mechanics and toughness, understanding how and why materials fail, then designing solutions that can withstand extreme conditions without adding weight. This approach has led to patented technologies now in trial use for satellites and electric vehicles. Supported by major fellowships and collaborations, I bridge computer modelling, laboratory research, and real-world manufacturing to deliver innovations that move quickly from idea to application. My goal is to create the next generation of safe, sustainable engineering materials. |
| Research Centre: | Intelligent Transport |
Brief Biography
Dr Declan Carolan obtained his PhD in Mechanics from University College Dublin, where his doctoral thesis was awarded the prestigious Broberg Medal for excellence.
Dr Carolan's research brings together polymer chemistry, fracture mechanics, and composite engineering to create advanced materials that are lighter, tougher, and more sustainable. His work has led to patented technologies now in trial use for satellites, electric vehicles, and energy systems. A central focus of his research is understanding and improving fracture toughness in polymers and composites, ensuring materials can perform reliably under extreme conditions.
He has been awarded highly competitive personal fellowships, including two Marie-Curie Fellowships and a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, supporting projects worth over £5 million across aerospace, transport, and defence. His current research vision is to develop the next generation of fire-safe, lightweight, and sustainable composites, bridging fundamental science with industrial deployment.
Alongside his research, Dr Carolan is an experienced academic leader and mentor. He has designed and delivered new courses in composites, mechanics, and innovation, and has supervised more than 30 undergraduate and postgraduate projects from industry, many leading to peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations. His leadership style, shaped by experience in both academia and high-stakes industrial R&D, emphasises critical thinking, creativity, and resilience.
Dr Carolan is an active contributor to the wider research and industrial community. He has served as reviewer and panel member for EPSRC and UKRI programmes, contributed to UK composites sustainability policy, and regularly delivers invited talks at international conferences.
Dr Carolan's research brings together polymer chemistry, fracture mechanics, and composite engineering to create advanced materials that are lighter, tougher, and more sustainable. His work has led to patented technologies now in trial use for satellites, electric vehicles, and energy systems. A central focus of his research is understanding and improving fracture toughness in polymers and composites, ensuring materials can perform reliably under extreme conditions.
He has been awarded highly competitive personal fellowships, including two Marie-Curie Fellowships and a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, supporting projects worth over £5 million across aerospace, transport, and defence. His current research vision is to develop the next generation of fire-safe, lightweight, and sustainable composites, bridging fundamental science with industrial deployment.
Alongside his research, Dr Carolan is an experienced academic leader and mentor. He has designed and delivered new courses in composites, mechanics, and innovation, and has supervised more than 30 undergraduate and postgraduate projects from industry, many leading to peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations. His leadership style, shaped by experience in both academia and high-stakes industrial R&D, emphasises critical thinking, creativity, and resilience.
Dr Carolan is an active contributor to the wider research and industrial community. He has served as reviewer and panel member for EPSRC and UKRI programmes, contributed to UK composites sustainability policy, and regularly delivers invited talks at international conferences.