YCN representative - UK

Vinothini Venkatachalam

YCN Representative for UK

v.venkatachalam@bham.ac.uk

Dr Vinothini (Vinu) Venkatachalam is a materials scientist, currently a Senior Research Fellow in the School of Metallurgy & Materials at the University of Birmingham, UK. Her current research focuses on developing high-temperature and ultra-high-temperature ceramic matrix composites (HTCMC & UHTCMCs) for Aerospace applications using radio-frequency assisted chemical vapour infiltration (RF-CVI). Her research utilises the alternative heat source to reduce the processing time of CMCs by 40 times, and therefore the costs involved, without compromising the performance.

During her initial research career, she worked as a Scientist at the National Aerospace Laboratory, India, on the ternary carbides – including synthesis, preparation of dense monoliths and joining advanced dissimilar materials – for Aerospace & Nuclear applications prior to obtaining a PhD from the Department of Materials Loughborough University, UK. Her PhD focus was on developing nanostructured passive devices using microwave-assisted processing. Then, she worked in industrial R&D at Syfer Technology, UK, on new product development using a new range of capacitor devices. The project received an Outstanding Innovative Product of the Year award at the 10th Elektra European Electronics Industry Awards, 2012. She resumed her academic research at the Technical University of Denmark, working on high-temperature corrosion & protective coatings for SOFC/SOEC environments.

She is an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, U.K. She is an active member of the European Ceramic Society and the American Ceramic Society, a professional member of the Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3) and a STEM / Discover Materials Ambassador. She is also an early career representative for Defense Materials, UK.

Vinu has wide international experience in ceramic processing, from powders to products, in academia and industry. She has published and presented several research papers, including invited talks, chaired conference sessions and acted as a reviewer for many research publications.

Vinu was also directly involved in supporting innovation activities with local businesses in the region (SMEs) through a part-funded European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programme, AMCASH.

As a UK YCN representative, she would like to bring together diverse areas and expertise in advanced materials science and act as a bridge to blend academia, industry and cross-geographical expertise – mainly to drive towards future ceramics research on sustainability and go-green policies.

Back to the YCN Representatives 2024-2025 main page