Dr Julian Steer, Cardiff University / Celsa Steel, UK

Dr Julian Steer focusses on energy, material recovery and industrial processes at Cardiff University School of Engineering. With a background in industrial polymer development and synthesis for circuit board coatings, Dr Steer moved into academia, where he has collaborated with the steel and energy sectors, focusing on decarbonisation and material recovery. His work includes research on solid fuels, reductants, sustainable processes, and the recovery and recycling of materials as part of a circular economy model, reducing the reliance on fossil-derived materials in our society. 

Dr Steer’s recent research has focused on non-fossil-derived alternative reductants and fuels, including biochars and biobased materials. This has involved looking at their reactivity, properties, and surface modification to maximise their use in sectors such as iron and steelmaking; power generation; biobased cooking and heating; carbon sequestration; and for carbon utilisation reactions. 

The steel industry is at another turning point in its evolution, as it seeks to move from the blast furnace process to less carbon intensive processes, such as the electric arc furnace (EAF). However, all these large-scale industrial processes generate vast quantities of metal containing dusts. Working in close collaboration with Celsa Steel UK, this Royal Academy of Engineering Industrial Fellowship aims to enable the decarbonisation of the steel industry and reuse of these metals. It will carry out the necessary research to reduce dust production through the process; deal with legacy stockpiles from EAF and blast furnace operations; and add economic value through the recovery of useful metals using new and novel processes/applications. The Fellowship will produce technical solutions and develop valuable expertise to help the steel industry decarbonise; support the UK's net zero targets; and promote greener, more circular, industrial processes across multiple sectors.