If you attended this year’s Scotland’s Life Sciences awards (not to brag but… we won!), you may have had the pleasure of meeting Ondřej Mašek, whom we invited as a special guest. As we navigate this pivotal time, we’re delighted to welcome Ondřej aboard and look forward to gaining his expertise as an advisor.
Who is Ondřej Mašek?
Putting it simply, he is a big name in the biochar world and has been recognised as a highly-cited researcher, placing him in the top 0.1% of researchers worldwide! But if you are looking for a bit more, read on!
Prof. Ondřej Mašek holds the position of Personal Chair of Net Zero Emission Technologies at the University of Edinburgh, where his innovative leadership at the UK Biochar Research Centre (UKBRC) is setting new standards in the field of biochar production and development. With an 18-year career dedicated to advancing the thermo-chemical conversion of biomass and fossil resources into sustainable value-added products, Prof. Mašek’s work is at the forefront of efforts to enhance energy efficiency, promote sustainability, and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Since joining the University of Edinburgh in 2009, Prof. Mašek has co-founded the UKBRC within the School of Geosciences, establishing it as a leading institution in biochar research and application. His pioneering research is focused on converting biomass into biochar and its co-products, aiming at carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation while also improving agricultural productivity and resilience. Prof. Mašek is particularly renowned for his expertise in engineered biochar, where he applies advanced techniques to optimize its production and application, ensuring maximum environmental and economic benefits with minimal resource use.
Prof. Mašek’s collaborative efforts extend far beyond the borders of the UK. He has led and participated in numerous projects in the UK, EU, and internationally, with a cumulative budget exceeding £20 million. This global reach is a testament to his ability to forge strong partnerships with industry stakeholders ranging from innovative startups to international corporations. His scholarly contributions are equally impressive, with over 150 peer-reviewed publications, more than 8500 citations, and an h-index of 46. In 2023, he was recognized as a highly-cited researcher, placing him in the top 0.1% of researchers worldwide. This international recognition underscores his significant impact in the field and his potential as a valuable collaborator for international stakeholders.
Leading a dynamic research group of post-doctoral researchers, PhD and MSc students, and visiting scholars, Prof. Mašek is exploring a wide array of biochar-related applications. These include atmospheric carbon removal, environmental remediation, construction, and innovative uses in polymers and fermentation processes. Prof. Ondřej Mašek’s work not only contributes to the global fight against climate change but also paves the way for a sustainable future, making him a pivotal figure in the transition towards net zero emissions.
