Prof. Chris Lawn , Solid-Fluid Interaction ,Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom
Professor Christopher James Lawn is a renowned British thermo-fluids and combustion expert with decades of impactful contributions in academia, industry, and research policy. A graduate in Theoretical Physics from Trinity College, Cambridge, he earned a PhD awarded on the strength of extensive publications in fluid mechanics and heat transfer. Over a diverse career, Prof. Lawn served in leadership roles at C.E.G.B, PowerGen, and Rolls-Royce Aerospace, culminating in his role as Professor of Thermo-Fluids Engineering at Queen Mary, University of London. He continues to contribute as Emeritus Professor and editor for key engineering journals. He has chaired and served on numerous national committees, including advisory roles in energy and combustion. His interdisciplinary expertise bridges nuclear, aerospace, and renewable energy, and his research into combustion, heat transfer, and tidal power has advanced both theoretical knowledge and real-world technologies. He is also a mentor, editor, and an influential figure in British and international combustion communities.
Profile
Scopus
🎓 Education
Prof. Lawn’s education began at Kingswood School, Bath, where he achieved outstanding results with 13 O-levels and A-levels in Mathematics and Physics. In 1962, he was awarded an Exhibition to Trinity College, Cambridge, one of the most prestigious scholarships in the UK. He graduated in Theoretical Physics in 1966. His academic journey continued alongside his professional career when he earned a PhD from Cambridge University in 1978, based on a substantial body of external research publications in fluid mechanics and heat transfer during his time at the C.E.G.B Research Division. This route, while rare, showcases the depth and rigor of his research. His interdisciplinary foundation in physics, engineering, and combustion science positioned him for success in high-stakes energy, mechanical, and aerospace engineering challenges throughout his life.
👨🔬 Experience
Prof. Lawn’s career spans over five decades across academia, government research, and private industry. He began as a Research Officer at Berkeley Nuclear Labs (C.E.G.B) in 1966, rising through key positions in fluid dynamics and combustion research. As Head of Advanced Engineering at Rolls-Royce, he influenced the development of civil aerospace systems before transitioning to academia. From 1995 to 2012, he served as Professor of Thermo-Fluids Engineering at Queen Mary University of London, continuing as Emeritus Professor thereafter. He held major advisory positions with the SERC/EPSRC, Department of Energy, DTI, and professional institutions like the I.Mech.E and Combustion Institute. He has also been an editor, examiner, and industry advisor for leading UK universities and journals. His career is distinguished by leadership in both fundamental and applied thermal-fluid sciences, especially in combustion dynamics, energy systems, and renewable power.
🔍 Research Interest
Prof. Lawn’s research is centered on thermo-fluids, heat transfer, and combustion dynamics, with a special focus on energy systems and power generation. His early work focused on fluid mechanics and heat transfer in nuclear systems, evolving into advanced studies of combustion instabilities, flame dynamics, and swirl burners. His research integrates both theoretical analysis and experimental studies, contributing to cleaner, more efficient energy systems. In recent years, he has applied his expertise to tidal energy, including turbine design for renewable marine applications. Through projects on non-linear thermo-acoustics, curved flame propagation, and vertical axis turbines, Prof. Lawn has addressed both fundamental science and engineering implementation. His interdisciplinary reach spans aerospace, nuclear, and green energy, reflecting a consistent drive to apply deep theoretical insights to urgent real-world challenges. He continues to shape combustion and fluid mechanics research through active publishing, reviewing, and committee service.
🏆 Awards
While no specific medal awards are listed, Prof. Lawn’s extensive career reflects a lifetime of honors through professional elevation, leadership roles, and appointments. He holds Chartered Engineer (C.Eng) status and is a Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers (F.I.Chem.E) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (F.I.Mech.E)—distinctions reserved for individuals with sustained, high-level professional achievements. His long-term editorial roles in prestigious journals like the Journal of Power and Energy and International Journal of Spray and Combustion Dynamics underscore peer recognition. As Chairman of the British Section of the Combustion Institute, and a consistent contributor to combustion symposia, his leadership and technical influence are undeniable. He has also guided research and teaching standards as an external examiner at over ten top-tier UK universities. In total, his service, thought leadership, and technical expertise constitute a career of national and international distinction in thermal-fluid and combustion engineering.
📚 Publications
Triboelectric Charging of Polydisperse Particles in a Developed Pipe Flow
Thermoacoustics of ‘New’ Combustion Systems
Two-Phase MHD Energy Conversion from Buoyancy-Driven Flows of Liquid Metal Coolant in a Fusion Reactor
Citations: 2
Common Features in the Thermoacoustics of Flames and Engines
Citations: 19
Conclusion
Yes, Professor Christopher J. Lawn is highly suitable—and in fact, a distinguished candidate—for the “Best Researcher Award”. His sustained impact, cross-sectoral leadership, pioneering research, and continued scholarly output, even into emeritus status, set a gold standard in energy and thermo-fluid sciences. His career exemplifies the essence of excellence in research, making him not only deserving of the award but an inspirational figure for current and future researchers in the engineering and physical sciences.