The winner of the 2025 Peter Troughton Research Staff Prize is Dr Liana Zoumpouli, Research Associate in the Department of Chemical Engineering.

Liana’s research looks at the issue of removing synthetic chemicals which impact water quality and pose a risk to public and environmental health. Pollutants that are present in water or wastewater at very low concentrations are called micropollutants and come from both everyday products, such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products, and from industrial processes. Recently, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) known as ‘forever chemicals’, have attracted growing attention due to their high stability in the environment and their adverse health impacts. Micropollutants like PFAS are very difficult to remove, so they require innovative approaches that balance water quality with energy efficiency.

Working closely with the water sector, Liana uses materials science, computational modelling, and environmental engineering to address this challenge. She uses 3D printing to manufacture porous materials in new and unusual shapes that can improve the efficiency of water treatment. To choose the best design, Liana performs simulations of how water flows around complex structures. Liana’s application of 3D printing in advanced water treatment aims to push the limits of the material properties and process performance that can be achieved, in order to remove a wide range of pollutants in a more sustainable way.

Liana’s findings have been reported in journal publications and presented at international conferences, with a recent publication reported worldwide in news outlets including the Financial Times. She has also established joint projects with other research institutes, including the University of Manchester and the University of Iceland.

After receiving the award, Liana said “I am really pleased to accept this award in recognition of my research on water treatment, a field I am very passionate about. I am grateful to the University for all the support I have received as a postdoctoral researcher.”

The Peter Troughton Research Staff Prize is awarded on behalf of Senate by the Peter Troughton Research Staff Prize Committee to a postdoctoral member of research staff for outstanding research. Sponsor of the award, Peter Troughton, said, “A most worthy and imaginative winner from a strong field of finalists, Dr Zoumpouli's presentation of her research is properly recognised by this award and is of vital importance in a world thirsty for clean water.”