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Energy

Interdisciplinary Research Centre
 
  • 28Oct

    Speaker: Simon Taylor (University of Cambridge & EPRG)

    EPRG Energy & Environment Seminars Michaelmas Term 2025 Tuesdays fortnightly at 12.30-1.30pm (in-person) Please contact EPRG Administrator (eprgadm@jbs.cam.ac.uk) for further details

    Seminar organizer: Zeynep Clulow(z.clulow@jbs.cam.ac.uk)

  • 28Oct

    Speaker: Dr Antonio del Rio Chanona, Imperial College London - CEB alum

     

    Abstract

    Artificial intelligence offers a new path to chemical processes: enabling chemical systems that not only learn from data but also improve themselves over time.

    In this talk, I will outline how AI can close critical gaps in process development and operation, paving the way towards autonomous, self-optimising laboratories and process plants. I will focus on three complementary algorithmic approaches. The first, Bayesian optimisation, provides a framework for experimental design and optimisation. I will particularly discuss how we can use multi-fidelity and human-in-the-loop strategies for a more informed process optimisation.

    Second, I will discuss how large language models (LLMs) can and are being leveraged to capture human knowledge, interact with algorithms, and enable autonomous processes via symbolic reasoning and algorithmic search.

    Finally, I will talk about how reinforcement learning, famous for making computers “learn” and beat the best humans in the world at various tasks, unlocks new opportunities for control and real-time optimisation of complex, dynamic processes, with particular promise in bioprocess applications. Together, these advances point to a unifying vision: AI-driven chemical processes that are faster to develop, safer to operate, and inherently more sustainable.

    I will conclude by reflecting on the emerging paradigm of autonomous process innovation and the opportunities it creates for the chemical sciences and industry.

    Part of the Bigger Picture Talk Series 

     

    Speaker Bio:

    Dr Antonio del Rio Chanona is an Associate Professor and head of the Optimisation and Machine Learning for Process Systems Engineering group at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London.

    His main research interests include Data-Driven Optimisation, Reinforcement Learning, Large Language Models and Hybrid Modelling applied to chemical systems. Antonio received his MEng from UNAM in Mexico and his PhD from the University of Cambridge, where he was awarded the Danckwerts-Pergamon Prize for the best doctoral thesis of his year.

  • 28Oct

    Speaker: Dr Jon Salkeld,  Head of Scientific Innovation, Strategic University & External Partnerships, BP

     

    Ten years ago the Paris COP conference heralded an exceptional meeting of minds to tackle climate change, backed by science, and soon embraced by industry. Much has been achieved, particularly in electrification through the explosive growth of renewables & EVs. However, the optimism that hit a high water mark perhaps 5 years ago, risks stalling in much of the world as the reality of displacing and decarbonising 600 exajoules per annum becomes clear. The reasons lie in the complex intersection of, inter alia, technology, investment economics, policy, human behaviour and geopolitics. It also reflects society’s wider drift from science based consensus, to tribal polarisation played out for social media. How might we recover momentum, and what can we learn from sectors and countries which are succeeding? What does this mean for companies operating in the energy transition, and how might academia play its part?

    Jon has recently left bp, where since 2014 he was at the heart of their transition activities; founding their EV charging business, leading their global academic relationships, and running their external advisory committee for technology. This builds on a career in disruptive business & technology innovation at QinetiQ, ICI and Schlumberger. He will offer a personal perspective based on the highs, lows and learning from a decade at the frontline of humanity’s greatest challenge.

    This talk is part of the Institute for Energy and Environmental Flows (IEEF) series.

  • 28Oct

    Speaker: Professor David A. Stainforth, Professional Research Fellow, LSE 

  • 30Oct

    Primarily for our colleagues within the University and wider Cambridge sustainability community, we will hear from expert speakers on their expectations for COP, as well as how the University and partners are planning to ‘show up’ both on the ground in Brazil and in shaping wider narratives remotely. More details will be posted here as the agenda takes shape, but this event is highly recommended for students, staff and colleagues in the wider community with an interest in climate and sustainability topics and the multilateral processes that shape them.

    Find out more about CISL’s plans by visiting our COP30 hub, where our policy briefing outlining key negotiating topics can also be found

     

    Register here