Muhammad Tahir Khan, a CARBOWAVE researcher at the Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, has been recognised for research excellence at Bernal Research Day 2026, earning multiple distinctions for his innovative work on sustainable carbon fibres.

2nd Prize – Research Image Award: “The Ember Dunes of Lignin”

Khan secured 2nd Prize in the Research Image Award with his striking micrograph titled “The Ember Dunes of Lignin.”
The image, resembling glowing desert dunes or an alien landscape, captures the complex microscale architecture of lignin fibres, revealing the hidden beauty of sustainable material precursors.

In the “Thesis in 3 Minutes” (3MT) competition, Khan delivered a clear and concise presentation of his PhD research, showcasing both its scientific depth and industrial relevance.
His talk highlighted how advanced precursor engineering can accelerate the transition toward greener, high-performance composite materials.

Research Focus: Lignin-Based Carbon Fibres in CARBOWAVE

Under the EU‑funded CARBOWAVE project, Khan’s research focuses on optimising precursor blends to enhance the mechanical strength and carbon yield of lignin-based carbon fibres.
This work directly supports the development of more energy-efficient and sustainable carbon fibre production routes, aligning with Europe’s drive toward low‑carbon advanced materials.

Supervision and Research Environment at Bernal Institute

The research is supervised byProf. Maurice N. Collins and Dr. Anne Beaucamp Mc Loughlin at the University of Limerick, within the Bernal Institute’s vibrant interdisciplinary environment.
Bernal Research Day 2026 once again demonstrated the institute’s commitment to fostering research excellence, creativity, and impactful science communication.