Background and experience
Biography:
Prof. Dr. Souman Rudra is a Professor of Renewable Energy at the University of Agder (UiA), Norway, where he has served since 2013. He leads the Bioenergy and Thermal Energy Research Group, focusing on sustainable energy conversion, advanced materials, and thermal process optimization. He holds a Ph.D. in Energy Engineering from Aalborg University, Denmark (2013) and a Master’s in Energy Engineering from Ajou University, South Korea (2010). His international academic engagements include visiting scholar positions at the University of Alberta (Canada), University of Twente (Netherlands), and University of Birmingham (UK). Prof. Rudra’s research spans renewable energy systems, thermal process modeling, and biofuels, complemented by work on energy materials—including photoactive nanomaterials and catalytic materials for hydrogen production, waste heat recovery, and CO₂ utilization. He integrates experimental and computational methods, such as CFD and DFT simulations, process modeling, and material characterization, to advance energy efficiency and sustainability. He has successfully led and contributed to multiple externally funded research and Ph.D. projects, collaborating with universities and industries across Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa, including Aalborg University, University of Glasgow, Ajou University, CUET, IIT, and Tanta University. A former European Climate Pact Ambassador (2021–2022), Prof. Rudra has published over 55 peer-reviewed research papers and participated in more than 20 international conferences. His leadership in interdisciplinary research and mentoring continues to support innovations in bioenergy, clean fuels, and functional energy materials—contributing to a more sustainable and climate-resilient energy future.
Experience
- 4th of August, 2022 - Present
Professor in Bioenergy and Thermal Energy, Department of Engineering and Science, Renewable Energy, University of Agder, Grimstad, Norway.
- 15th August, 2013 - 3rd of August, 2022
Associate Professor, Department of Engineering and Science, Renewable EnergyUniversity of Agder, Grimstad, Norway
- 1st May, 2013-31st of July, 2013
Scientific Researcher, Department of Energy Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
- 1st May, 2010-31st April, 2013
PhD Fellow, Department of Energy Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
- January, 2012- May, 2012
Visiting Researcher, Sustainable Energy Lab., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta.Edmonton, Canada.
- 19thJanuary 09 - 27th February 09,
Global Intern, SK Energy (Korea's largest energy group), Seoul, Korea.
- 4th March 08 - 28th April 10,
Research Assistant at Energy Process Lab., Ajou University, Suwon, Korea.
- September 07 - January 08
Assistant Mechanical Engineer, C & A group, Chittagong, Bangladesh
- 19th December, 06 to 10th February, 07,
Pacific jeans, Chittagong, Bangladesh.
Areas of responsibility
Academic Degree:
- Ph.D, Department of Energy Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark (2013)
- MSc in Energy Engineering, Ajou University, South Korea (2010)
- BSc in Mechanical Engineering, CUET, Bangladesh (2007)
Pedagogical competence:
- Uniped, course in university pedagogics, University of Agder (2015-2016)
- Qualifying course for doctoral supervision, University of Agder/University of Stavanger/University of Nord (2015-2016)
- Basic course in pedagogy for university teachers, Aalborg University (2012)
- Boost your lecturing skills in English, University of Copenhagen (2012)
Teaching
- Combined Heat and Power Systems: Design and System Analysis. ENE 415 (https://www.uia.no/studieplaner/topic/ENE415-G)
- Thermodynamic and Heating System, ENE 227
- Fluid flow and HVAC system, ENE 230 (https://www.uia.no/en/studieplaner/topic/ENE230-G)
- Bioenergy, ENE 420 (https://www.uia.no/studieplaner/topic/ENE420-G)
Research
Research Interest:
I am a professor and researcher in renewable energy systems with expertise in biomass conversion, hydrogen production, thermal energy systems, artificial intelligence, and computational modeling. My research focuses on sustainable energy technologies, including biomass gasification, chemical looping, hydrodynamic cavitation, waste-to-energy, energy storage, and AI-driven optimization of energy systems. I have extensive experience leading international research projects, supervising graduate students, and collaborating with academic and industrial partners to develop innovative solutions for the global energy transition.
PhD main Supervision:
1. Hydrothermal liquefaction of biomass for co-production of advanced biofuels and biomaterials.( Started in 2024- Main supervisor)
2. Predictive maintenance of technical equipment and subsystems in biomass power plants. (started in October 2021- PhD Defence on4th May 2026- Main Supervisor)
3. Design and optimization of hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) reactor for bio-oil production. University funded project. ( Started on February 2018- PhD Defence on 3rd May, 2022 -Main Supervisor)
4. HTL of Algae Biomass for Biocrude Production. An industrial project with ACL Engineering and Norwegian Research council. (Started on April 2016)
Selected funded projects include:
Erasmus+ Global Mobility, European Commission (2026–2028), €27,618.
BIO4ENGINE: Investigating the viability of using a special blend of bioethanol and castor oil in internal combustion engines, funded by RFF Agder (2023–2024), NOK 750,000.
CO₂-COM: Use of CO₂ as a Coolant for Microsystems, funded by The Royal Society (UK) (2022–2024), £12,000.
CARE: Collaborative Action for Improving Educational Capacities in Renewable Energy to Mitigate Climate Crisis, funded by HK-dir (2022–2026), NOK 8 million.
Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Biomass, funded by the University of Agder (2018–2021), NOK 3.5 million.
Process Design for Biomass-to-Biofuel Production, funded by ACL Engineering and the Research Council of Norway (NFR) (2015–2018), NOK 3.5 million.
CFD-Based Design for Energy-Efficient Buildings, funded by the Research Council of Norway (Regional Funding) (2015–2016), NOK 500,000.
Two-Phase CO₂ Cooling System for the CMS Detector at CERN, a collaborative project involving CERN, the University of Bath, and the University of Agder (2019–2024).
Projects
- BIO4ENGINE
- CO2-COM
- Collaborative Action for improving educational capacities in Renewable Energy to mitigate climate crisis (CARE)
- Process design for biomass to biofuel