PROF. ANA INÉS FERNÁNDEZ

Head of DIOPMA, Full Univ Professor

Researcher in Thermal Energy Storage (TES) Materials, Polymers characterization.

In 1997, I joined the research group headed by Dr. Ferran Espiell, Professor of the Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering Department of the University of Barcelona. In 2000, the research group was created as the Center of Design and Optimization of Processes and Materials. I have participated in numerous research projects funded by public and private institutions, the group obtained the accreditation from the Center for Innovation and Business Development (CIDEM) of the Generalitat de Catalunya as a member of the Technological Innovation network, Xarxa IT, now TECNIO accreditation. In 2005, the group obtained the accreditation of a consolidated research group to date (2017 SGR 0118). The beginning of my research activity was in the topic of kinetics of processes. Furthermore, I have participated in several projects on the topics of recycling, reuse of by-products and waste valorisation. On this subject, I have supervised two PhD thesis on polymer composites and several final Degree projects. In 2008, I started the research line of materials for thermal energy storage in DIOPMA research group, participating in several R & D projects at national, regional and international level as well as projects with industry. About this research topic, I have supervised 8 doctoral theses and 4 more on going, as well as several final degree and master projects. The research activity has led to 140 articles in indexed journals, 15 patents and more than 100 participations in conferences. I’ve been awarded twice as PI for the best technology transfer project by the board of Trustees of the University of Barcelona.