The ZERO Institute is delighted to welcome the first external Associates to our network: Professor John Loughhead, Professor Carmen Galán-Marín and Dr. Ulderico Ulissi.
They each demonstrate an outstanding track record in fostering zero-carbon energy systems, with expertise spanning decarbonising buildings, industry and sustainable energy policy.
At the ZERO Institute we recognise that the energy transition won’t come solely from within the walls of Oxford University. Our Associates are key players in the journey to a zero-carbon energy system, working to accelerate collaborations, innovation, policy work, multidisciplinary research, engagement, and more.
John Loughhead
John Loughhead has extensive experience in sustainable energy policy development advising several countries including the UK government across business, industry and the wider landscape. He had led Europe strategy reviews on topics including fuel cells, hydrogen and nuclear fusion, as well as leading large development projects and developing technology portfolios in industry.
He is Professor of Clean Energy at the University of Birmingham, Chair of the Redwheel-Turquoise ClimateTech Fund and of the Low Carbon Innovation Fund and has several other public and private sector advisory roles. He was previously Executive Director of the UK Energy Research Centre.
Carmen Galán-Marín
Carmen Galán-Marín is Professor of Architecture at the University of Seville, where she focuses on sustainable construction technologies, climate responsive design, and the environmental performance of buildings and urban spaces. Her work combines advanced simulation techniques, innovative materials research, and multiscale environmental analysis.
Carmen has led multiple national and regional research projects, including three major Spanish National R&D Plan projects and collaborations with industry and technology centres. She has an extensive publication record and is a member of the MedECC expert network on climate change in the Mediterranean region.
Ulderico Ulissi
Dr. Ulderico Ulissi works at the intersection of academia and industry focusing on translating fundamental research into impact with a background spanning consulting, market research, climate tech, and hands-on technical leadership.
Dr Ulissi has held key leadership roles at CATL, the world’s leading battery manufacturer, vetting next-generation climate technologies for commercial viability, served as the European Technical Lead for energy storage research at Nissan Motor, and managed the design and customer delivery of pre-A-sample lithium-sulfur battery cells and modules at OXIS Energy Ltd. His footprint includes a book, five patents, and highly cited publications garnering him an H-index of 15 as of March 2026.
We look forward to working closely with our Associates, and to taking on board new Associates, continuing to expand our leadership to accelerate the energy transition through research, innovation and policy.
