Steve Dunn

Steve is Head of Chemical and Energy Engineering at LSBU. Professor Dunn has published over 100 publications since achieving his PhD in Chemistry from Cambridge University in 2001. He has generated an income of over £10m for LSBU since 2003, funded by organisations such as Innovate UK, RCUK, Samsung and Bosch.

Read on to find out more about Steve, his work and his life outside of work.

Tell us a little about yourself?

I’m Steve, I enjoy climbing mountains on a bike or on my feet as I love the view from the top or sailing a boat across the sea or ocean. If I can I like to work out a new solution to a problem that has been around for a while. My favourite way of doing this is to make an old material do something new and original by changing the way it is made or produced.

What does a ‘typical’ day look like for you?

My day is made up talking to people about the teaching and operation of the Chemical and Energy Engineering Division that I manage, working with students and checking out the latest results from the lab. We are working on developing processes to improve the manufacture of batteries and convert waste heat into a fuel by converting carbon dioxide into useful chemicals.

What would be your specialist subject on Mastermind?

The development of rocketry

If you weren’t an academic, what would you be?

A yacht skipper.

What experience are you bringing to the programmes?

A level head and objective view on how to tackle challenges.

Why do you feel it is important for academic institutions and commercial organisations to work together?

There is often a complimentary desire to drive innovation and creativity between commercial and academic teams. Often the academics don’t know there is an outlet for their invention and the commercial team have an opportunity but no really good solution.

What is your top tip for a start-up or SME developing a new product?

Make sure there is a need for it ~ Apple/Samsung can generate need through marketing, but SMEs will struggle if the need is not organic.

What’s your favourite thing to do outside of work?

Exploring around Europe where the sea meets the mountains with some nice wine…

Find out more about Steve's academic and research experience through his LSBU profile.

Want to work with passionate problem solvers like Steve? Find out more about the Sustainable Innovation programme here.

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