Researcher Spotlight: Collin Smith
Junior Research Fellow Dr Collin Smith discusses his deep commitment to sustainability into his work in chemical engineering. Focused on decarbonisation and the net zero challenge, he is dedicated to reshaping the industry for a greener future.
The future of the chemical industry depends on accelerating decarbonisation – and Dr Collin Smith is determined to help make that happen.
As a Junior Research Fellow, Collin’s research takes place within the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CEB). His fellowship, a prestigious position awarded by Clare College, enables him to pursue independent research while benefitting from the guidance of senior academics. His work is conducted within Professor Laura Torrente’s Catalysis and Process Integration research group, where he explores how to reduce carbon emissions from processes long dependent on conventional energy sources.
Through his research, Collin is investigating how machine learning could be used to enable renewable energy to power the chemical sector in a way that is both resilient and commercially viable.
“The chemical industry is responsible for 10 to 15% of global CO₂ emissions,” Collin points out, referencing the group’s 2024 paper on ‘The potential of green ammonia in the defossilisation of the steel, glass and cement industries’.
“Transitioning this industry to renewable energy is an enormous challenge. We're talking about transforming processes that have been deeply embedded in carbon-intensive infrastructure for over a century. It’s not just about reducing emissions – it’s about rethinking the entire system.”
Collin’s research is looking at how to integrate solar and wind power into chemical processes, ensuring they remain resilient to fluctuations in energy supply. By applying machine learning to historical weather data, he maps out ways to align energy patterns with process design, making these systems viable in an unpredictable climate.
Read more here: https://www.ceb.cam.ac.uk/news/dr-collin-smith