Dr. Mehdi Chougan is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research Fellow at Brunel University London, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Dr Chougan obtained his PhD in “Graphene-engineered cementitious composites” from the University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Italy, in 2019. After the PhD completion, he worked as a postdoctoral research associate on “High-Performance Compressed Straw Board (HPCSB): A New Generation of Building Materials” project funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) at Brunel University London.

He is an outstanding young researcher in the field of cementitious composite materials, especially in graphene-engineered cementitious composites and additive manufacturing of alkali-activated cementitious composites. His research focuses on three areas: (i) the design and optimisation of 3D printable alkali-activated materials (AAM) and manufacturing strategies, with the aim to enhance the sustainability and productivity of the construction industry. Key topics concern the inclusion of different types of additives, including graphene-based materials, nano clay, and fibres, focusing on rheology modifications and performance optimisation. (ii) Bio-based composites, such as lightweight compressed strawboard (CSB) for the construction industry. (iii) the design and optimisation of low-carbon concrete using cement and natural aggregate replacement procedures to reduce concrete's carbon footprint. Some of his research works have been published in prestigious journals such as Materials and Design, Industrial Crops and Products, Journal of building engineering, etc.

Professor Ghaffar is a Chartered Civil Engineer and a Fellow Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers (CEng, FICE), a Member of the Institute of Concrete Technology (MICT), and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).

As the founder and director of the 'Additive Manufacturing Technology in Construction' (AMTC) research centre, he has played a pivotal role in shaping its mission. AMTC's primary focus lies in using low carbon materials and valorising construction and demolition waste through the application of materials science and 3D printing, aligning with the circular economy goals of sustainable construction.

Throughout his career, he has been both the principal and co-investigator of research grants exceeding £2 million, sourced from national entities such as EPSRC, British Council, and EU funding bodies like H2020 and ERDF. The outcomes of these projects have been disseminated through more than 75 journals and conference publications since 2013.

Brunel University London is a renowned institution that has earned its reputation as a world-class center for research and innovation. One of the key strengths of the university is its ability to attract and host Marie Curie fellows, who are some of the most talented and promising researchers from around the globe. The university's research programs have been recognized with the European Commission's HR Excellence in research accreditation, which acknowledges its commitment to providing a supportive and stimulating environment for researchers to learn and grow. This accreditation is a testament to Brunel University's dedication to providing the highest quality training and resources to its research community, and to ensuring that its researchers are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact in their fields of study.