A Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Fellowship has been awarded to the university to aid in the sustainable research
The research into 3D-printed construction champions low-carbon construction materials.
The MSCA Fellowship represents funding of more than €250m for Dr Jyotirmoy Mishra to continue exploring the potential of the material.
The 3D-printed construction materials include geopolymer mortars
These mortars are created using alternative alkaline activators harvested from waste, as opposed to the usual Portland cement used in 3D-printed construction.
The funding from the MSCA will allow further research into setting time, workability, compressive strength, microstructure, long-term durability, and a full Life Cycle Assessment for environmental performance.
3D-printing is on the rise in the construction industry due to it allowing for both faster and more efficient construction, as well as it being better for the environment. Last year, Ireland began its first 3D-printed social housing project in Louth County, delivering houses with a 110 square metre floor area.
Results of the Louth project show that housing structures can be built three times faster than with traditional methods of housebuilding
Associate professor Keerthan Poologanathan, the head of structural engineering at the university, will be leading the project, with associate professor Dr Vikki Edmondson and assistant professor Dr Mohammadali Rezazadeh will also be working on it.
Last year, Northumbria University announced the installation of 3D-printed construction technology in collaboration with Luyten 3D and ChangeMaker 3D, creating a new section of the Northumbria Structures Laboratory.
Funded by Horizon Europe
The MSCA Fellowship falls under the Horizon Europe programme, which supports postdoctoral researchers to expand expertise, undergo advanced training, and promote cross-discipline and international collaboration.
Dr Jyotirmoy Mishra said: “I am truly honoured to receive the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship and to join Northumbria’s world-class Associate Professor Keerthan Poologanathan and his research team. This project allows me to contribute to cutting-edge innovation in sustainable construction by integrating material science, structural engineering, and digital manufacturing.
“The opportunity to explore waste-based alternative activators in 3D-printed geopolymer mortars is both timely and essential for addressing global climate challenges in the built environment. Being awarded the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship is a significant milestone that will greatly advance my research career and enable me to translate research into industry-relevant solutions.”
Dr Poologanathan said: “The MSCA Fellowship is a recognition of the Northumbria’s research excellence and reinforces our position as a hub for advanced, interdisciplinary work in sustainable engineering.
“3D-printed concrete is the future of sustainable construction – this research will help to reduce carbon emissions, cut material costs, and minimise waste, while improving the strength and durability of modern infrastructure.”
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