Dr. Salmabanu Luhar
University of Sheffield
In a world searching for sustainable solutions, few individuals are driving transformation with the commitment, and far-reaching impact as Dr. Luhar. A Marie Curie and UKRI fellow, Dr. Luhar is not just rewriting the rules of civil engineering, she’s setting a new gold standard for what it means to be a leader in sustainability, innovation, and education.
With a sharp focus on environmental transformation, she’s developing next-generation, eco-friendly building materials that are as sustainable as they are innovative. From waste-derived alternatives to traditional cement, to fire and thermal-resistant 3D printed Geopolymer materials, her work offers tangible solutions to some of the world’s most urgent ecological challenges.
“Her sustainable approach doesn’t just conserve natural resources—it builds a circular economy that reduces waste, lowers carbon footprints, and inspires global change.”
Through her role as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Sheffield, Dr. Luhar is pioneering research that converts industrial waste into valuable construction resources. Her “No to Cement” philosophy is more than just a scientific stance, it’s a rallying cry for systemic change in how the world builds.
But Dr. Luhar’s impact doesn’t stop in the lab. A passionate educator and advocate for women in STEM, she has introduced transformative educational programs, championing inclusivity and opening doors for the next generation of scientists and engineers,especially women aspiring to enter male-dominated fields like civil engineering and material science.
Her commitment to digital innovation is equally ground-breaking. Leveraging advanced 3D printing technologies and digital modelling, she’s helped reimagine construction practices, making them not only safer but smarter and more sustainable. She has also pushed for supply chain transparency, ensuring ethical sourcing and production processes in industries where these issues are too often overlooked.
With almost a decade of global research and teaching experience—spanning India, the USA, Taiwan, and Cyprus—Dr. Luhar’s career is decorated with accolades that speak to her excellence, receiving over 20 international awards, including the Top 50 Women in Engineering 2023 by the Women’s Engineering Society in London.
“What truly sets her apart is the way she merges scientific ingenuity with heartfelt purpose, turning complex research into community-centred change.”
Whether she’s co-inventing eco-conscious materials or mentoring young women scientists, Dr. Luhar leads with vision and values. Her approach is bold, her results are measurable, and her legacy is already unfolding in classrooms, construction sites, and communities worldwide.
Dr Luhar will be sharing her passion for sustainability at the 33rd annual Inspiring Women Awards on 16th May 2025. Details Here