Imperial Mechanical Engineer Dr Jun Jiang Wins Prestigious Philip Leverhulme Prize

Dr Jun Jiang from the Department of Mechanical Engineering has been awarded the 2025 Philip Leverhulme Prize.

The prize recognises outstanding researchers whose work has achieved international impact and who are on their way to making further exceptional contributions.
 
Dr Jiang leads pioneering research on developing innovative methods to bond dissimilar materials critical for next-generation engineering applications. His team has invented an open-air solid-state bonding process that can join metals without the need for vacuum systems, a major breakthrough for lightweight, sustainable manufacturing.
 
This technology enables the creation of lighter, greener, and stronger components for electric vehicles, aerospace structures, and nuclear fusion systems. By improving manufacturing efficiency and dramatically reducing energy consumption, the work supports the UK’s ambitions in net-zero, clean technology, and advanced engineering.
 
Professor Guillermo Rein, Director of Research in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, said: “Jun’s work is remarkable in both its creativity and its impact. He has solved a long-standing challenge in materials engineering with a solution that is elegant, efficient, and transformative. This recognition by the Leverhulme Trust is richly deserved and a source of pride for our department.”
 
The Philip Leverhulme Prizes, awarded annually by the Leverhulme Trust, honour early- to mid-career researchers whose achievements mark them as future leaders in their disciplines. Each prize is worth £100,000 and supports further research over the next three years.