Eng. Syed Yousaf Munib is a Research Assistant in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the University of Surrey, working under the supervision of Dr Bahman Amini Horri on the EPSRC funded METASIS 2.0 project. His research focuses on advanced materials and surface coatings for tubular solid oxide steam electrolysers to support efficient and sustainable hydrogen production.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Materials Engineering from the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI), Pakistan, and an MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Birmingham City University, UK. He has completed the taught component of his MSc in Sustainable Energy with Industrial Practice at the University of Surrey and is undertaking his research placement.
His research experience includes zinc-iron redox flow batteries, electrochemistry, surface engineering and materials characterisation. He has published research on artificial intelligence for battery safety, degradation prediction and circular economy.
In October 2026, he presented his research at GMMT 2026 at the University of Cambridge and completed specialist fuel cell and electrolyser training at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), UK.
He previously held professional registration as a Materials Engineer with the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) and is a Student Member of the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP).
Outside his research, he enjoys travelling and exploring new places. He has visited Italy, Switzerland, France and Vatican City, where he enjoyed discovering different cultures, history and architecture. Travelling gives him fresh perspectives, helps him meet people from different backgrounds and inspires him to keep learning about the world beyond his work.
Areas of specialism
Green Hydrogen Production and Solid Oxide Electrolysers; Electrochemistry and Electrochemical Testing; Materials Engineering and Characterisation; Surface Engineering and Metallic Coatings; Redox Flow Batteries and Energy Storage; Sustainable Energy Technologies
University roles and responsibilities
Research Assistant, EPSRC funded METASIS 2.0 Project
Development of Advanced Materials and Surface Coatings for Solid Oxide Steam Electrolysers
Development of Advanced Materials and Surface Coatings for Solid Oxide Steam Electrolysers
Laboratory Research Planning and Experimental Analysis
Laboratory Safety and COSHH Risk Assessments
Research Collaboration in Sustainable Hydrogen Production
My qualifications
2025
MSc Sustainable Energy with Industrial Practice (Taught Component Completed, Industrial Placement Ongoing)
University of Surrey, UK
2023
MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Birmingham City University, UK
2021
Bachelor of Science in Materials Engineering
Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI), Pakistan
2016
Bachelor of Science (Mathematics and Physics)
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan
Previous roles
2026
Research Assistant
Supporting Dr Bahman Amini Horri in the METASIS 2.0 research project through laboratory planning, materials development, electrochemical testing and analysis to support sustainable hydrogen production.
University of Surrey, UK
2025 - 2026
Course Representative
Assisting academic staff and supporting MSc Sustainable Energy students by communicating feedback, addressing concerns and helping ensure a smooth learning experience for the cohort.
University of Surrey, UK
2025 - 2026
Operations Team Member
Supporting the Formula Student team with project activities, engineering coordination and the selection of sustainable materials for vehicle components.
Team SURTES, University of Surrey, UK
2019 - 2020
Materials Science Intern
Assisting Dr Rashid Ali with laboratory research on titanium-based materials, including surface coatings, materials testing and characterisation using X-ray diffraction and nanoindentation.
Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology, Pakistan
2016 - 2017
Teaching Assistant
Assisting lecturers with undergraduate Mathematics and Physics teaching, preparing learning materials, answering student questions and supporting problem-solving sessions.
2026 — MSc Sustainable Energy with Industrial Practice: University of Surrey, UK. Completed the taught modules with a provisional aggregate and currently undertaking the industrial placement.
2026 — Oral Presentation, GMMT 2026: Presented ZINGRID: Zinc-Iron for Next-Generation Grid Storage at the 2nd International Conference on Green Materials and Manufacturing Technology, Gonville & Caius College, University of Cambridge, UK, on 10 October 2026.
2024 — CILT (UK) Academic Recognition: Awarded a Birmingham City University digital badge confirming eligibility for exemption from the academic requirements for Chartered Membership of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK).
2023 — MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management with Merit: Birmingham City University, UK. Awarded on 24 October 2023.
2021 — Bachelor of Science in Materials Engineering: Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI), Pakistan.
2016 — Bachelor of Science (Mathematics and Physics): The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Awarded First Division.
Professional training and memberships
2026 — Fuel Cell and Electrolyser Measurement Training: National Physical Laboratory (NPL), UK, 6-8 October 2026. Specialist training in fuel cells, electrolysers, electrochemical testing and performance evaluation.
2026 — ISEP Membership: Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP), UK. Membership valid until 18 March 2027.
2022 — Inventory Management Foundations: LinkedIn Learning completed on 13 July 2022.
2021 — Professional Registration Materials Engineer: Previously registered with the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), Pakistan.
2nd International Conference on Green Materials and Manufacturing Technology (GMMT 2026) | University of Cambridge
Presented my research "ZINGRID: Zinc-Iron for Next-Generation Grid Storage" at the 2nd International Conference on Green Materials and Manufacturing Technology (GMMT 2026), held at Gonville & Caius College, University of Cambridge, UK, on 10 October 2026.
My presentation focused on the development and electrochemical performance of rechargeable zinc-iron redox flow batteries for sustainable energy storage.
VP Community Candidate and Election Runner-up (Second Place)
Surrey Union and StagTV Surrey University
Leadership and student engagement
I stood as a candidate in the University of Surrey Students Union Vice President Community election and secured second place. This experience gave me an opportunity to engage with students from different backgrounds, understand their concerns and contribute to discussions about improving the student experience and university community.
Research
Research interests
His research interests include green hydrogen, electrochemical energy storage and advanced materials for sustainable energy technologies.
Fuel Cell and Electrolyser Measurement Training at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), Teddington, UK, 6–8 October 2026, covering technical training, laboratory demonstration.
Zinc-Iron Redox Flow Battery Research at the University of Surrey, focusing on electrolyte preparation, electrochemical testing and battery performance for sustainable energy storage.
Sustainable development goals
My research interests are related to the following:
This systematic review examines how artificial intelligence can improve lithium-ion battery safety, degradation prediction and circular economy applications in electric vehicles and grid energy storage. The study reviews research published between 2019 and 2025, focusing on machine learning, deep learning and physics informed AI methods. It explores their applications in thermal runaway prediction, battery state of health estimation, remaining useful life prediction, second life battery assessment and recycling. The review identifies important challenges, including limited data availability, model reliability and explainability. It also proposes a UK Research Roadmap for 2026-2035, highlighting explainable AI, digital twins, federated learning and AI-driven recycling to support safer, more reliable and sustainable battery technologies.
