How to apply webinar | 14 May 2026

Ana Blanco is a Reader (Associate Professor) in Advanced Construction Materials and Methods at Loughborough University. She studied Civil Engineering at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya in Barcelona, where she completed a PhD on fibre-reinforced cementitious composites. Ana has been a visiting researcher at Delft University of Technology, co-founded a spin-out company in Spain, and joined Loughborough University in 2018. She is a Chartered Engineer and a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institute of Concrete Technology, and Women's Engineering Society. She also serves as an Editor of Construction and Building Materials. Her research focuses on advanced and multifunctional cementitious composites, with particular interests in low-carbon materials, structural dematerialisation, and innovative construction and repair techniques for resilient infrastructure. Recent projects include developing next-generation rail repair technologies with Network Rail, advancing self-healing concrete systems to improve infrastructure durability and resilience, and exploring low-carbon materials and alternative methods of construction.

Ana Blanco is a Reader (Associate Professor) in Advanced Construction Materials and Methods at Loughborough University. She studied Civil Engineering at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya in Barcelona, where she completed a PhD on fibre-reinforced cementitious composites. Ana has been a visiting researcher at Delft University of Technology, co-founded a spin-out company in Spain, and joined Loughborough University in 2018. She is a Chartered Engineer and a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institute of Concrete Technology, and Women's Engineering Society. She also serves as an Editor of Construction and Building Materials. Her research focuses on advanced and multifunctional cementitious composites, with particular interests in low-carbon materials, structural dematerialisation, and innovative construction and repair techniques for resilient infrastructure. Recent projects include developing next-generation rail repair technologies with Network Rail, advancing self-healing concrete systems to improve infrastructure durability and resilience, and exploring low-carbon materials and alternative methods of construction.

Charlotte Senior is the Membership and Alumni Officer and joined the UK Young Academy at the end of November 2023. As part of her role, she overseas member activities and development, facilitates member-led projects, and organises events for members and stakeholders, including the New Members’ Induction and Annual Members’ Meeting. She is also the project manager for the yearly call for applications. With previous roles spanning design to clinical reporting, Charlotte has experience in membership and public engagement, organising sell-out public events, and supporting individuals at all stages of their careers to develop new skills. Outside of work, Charlotte is a regular performer with the BBC Symphony Chorus and keen houseplant cultivator – casual hobbies which have grown exceedingly out of hand.

Ana Blanco is a Reader (Associate Professor) in Advanced Construction Materials and Methods at Loughborough University. She studied Civil Engineering at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya in Barcelona, where she completed a PhD on fibre-reinforced cementitious composites. Ana has been a visiting researcher at Delft University of Technology, co-founded a spin-out company in Spain, and joined Loughborough University in 2018. She is a Chartered Engineer and a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institute of Concrete Technology, and Women's Engineering Society. She also serves as an Editor of Construction and Building Materials. Her research focuses on advanced and multifunctional cementitious composites, with particular interests in low-carbon materials, structural dematerialisation, and innovative construction and repair techniques for resilient infrastructure. Recent projects include developing next-generation rail repair technologies with Network Rail, advancing self-healing concrete systems to improve infrastructure durability and resilience, and exploring low-carbon materials and alternative methods of construction.

Peter Kwok is the Chair of the UK Federation of Chinese Professionals. Peter has dedicated over 20 years to supporting communities and the people who serve them. Known for his thoughtful, inclusive leadership, he has helped shape more than 20 initiatives across charities, diaspora organisations, institutions, universities, and international organisations such as UN-led programmes. A Cranfield University award-winning alumnus, he was recognised on the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Honour List for his service to East and South East Asian communities and British Citizen Award for international achievement. Under his leadership, his diaspora organisation was named the UK’s Best Professional Diaspora Community Support Organisation in 2025 and again in 2026. A long-standing advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration, Peter has brought together thousands of diverse professionals and volunteers, helping them contribute meaningfully while developing their skills and confidence, especially during challenging times. Peter enjoys returning to Scotland where he grew up.

Ana Blanco is a Reader (Associate Professor) in Advanced Construction Materials and Methods at Loughborough University. She studied Civil Engineering at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya in Barcelona, where she completed a PhD on fibre-reinforced cementitious composites. Ana has been a visiting researcher at Delft University of Technology, co-founded a spin-out company in Spain, and joined Loughborough University in 2018. She is a Chartered Engineer and a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institute of Concrete Technology, and Women's Engineering Society. She also serves as an Editor of Construction and Building Materials. Her research focuses on advanced and multifunctional cementitious composites, with particular interests in low-carbon materials, structural dematerialisation, and innovative construction and repair techniques for resilient infrastructure. Recent projects include developing next-generation rail repair technologies with Network Rail, advancing self-healing concrete systems to improve infrastructure durability and resilience, and exploring low-carbon materials and alternative methods of construction.

Peter Kwok is the Chair of the UK Federation of Chinese Professionals. Peter has dedicated over 20 years to supporting communities and the people who serve them. Known for his thoughtful, inclusive leadership, he has helped shape more than 20 initiatives across charities, diaspora organisations, institutions, universities, and international organisations such as UN-led programmes. A Cranfield University award-winning alumnus, he was recognised on the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Honour List for his service to East and South East Asian communities and British Citizen Award for international achievement. Under his leadership, his diaspora organisation was named the UK’s Best Professional Diaspora Community Support Organisation in 2025 and again in 2026. A long-standing advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration, Peter has brought together thousands of diverse professionals and volunteers, helping them contribute meaningfully while developing their skills and confidence, especially during challenging times. Peter enjoys returning to Scotland where he grew up.

Charlotte Senior is the Membership and Alumni Officer and joined the UK Young Academy at the end of November 2023. As part of her role, she overseas member activities and development, facilitates member-led projects, and organises events for members and stakeholders, including the New Members’ Induction and Annual Members’ Meeting. She is also the project manager for the yearly call for applications. With previous roles spanning design to clinical reporting, Charlotte has experience in membership and public engagement, organising sell-out public events, and supporting individuals at all stages of their careers to develop new skills. Outside of work, Charlotte is a regular performer with the BBC Symphony Chorus and keen houseplant cultivator – casual hobbies which have grown exceedingly out of hand.