The Integrated Multiscale Porous Media Research (IMPRES) Group, established by Professor Dr.
Vahid Niasar in 2014 and co-led by Professor Niasar and Dr Mehrdad Vasheghani Farahani, is dedicated to delivering innovative engineering solutions for a wide range of
porous media topics. Our expertise spans subsurface hydrology, reservoir engineering, renewable energy,
fuel cells, batteries, and engineered and smart porous materials.
At the IMPRES Group, our team of researchers is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge computational
and experimental techniques. We aim to investigate various aspects such as multiphase flow, reactive
transport, solid-fluid and fluid-fluid interfaces, as well as non-classical theories of porous materials.
By addressing these fundamental problems in science and engineering, we contribute to advancing knowledge
in the field. Furthermore, we apply our fundamental knowledge to harness the unique properties of porous materials for a wide variety of engineering and scientific applications.
Our mission is threefold. Firstly, we strive to deepen our understanding of fundamental porous media
processes. By exploring these processes at the pore level, we gain valuable insights into their intricate
mechanisms. Secondly, we are committed to improving numerical upscaling methods for multi-scale coupled
problems. This enables us to bridge the gap between microscopic and macroscopic scales, facilitating more
accurate and efficient modeling of complex systems. Thirdly, we leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques to develop robust digital twins for porous materials and their respective applications.
Our diverse research portfolio encompasses a wide range of topics, including:
Expertise:
- Optical and X-ray imaging of porous materials,
- Pore-scale modelling using GPU-accelerated pore-network modelling, Lattice Boltzmann, and Volume-of-Fluid methods,
- Darcy-scale, reservoir scale modelling and simulations,
- Physics of porous media, flow and reactive transport in porous media.
- Subsurface energy engineering,
- Geological CO2 and hydrogen storage,
- Reservoir engineering and enhanced oil recovery,
- Electrochemical energy engineering, e.g., fuel cells and flow batteries,
- Soil physics and contaminant hydrogeology.
Prof Dr Vahid Niasar
I am a professor of subsurface engineering and porous media physics at the department of Chemical Engineering. I joined the University of Manchester in 2014, after few years of experience in upstream research at Shell Global Solutions in the Netherlands. My research interests and expertise cover diverse topics of multi-phase flow and reactive transport in porous media, hydrogeology and subsurface energy engineering (including geothermal energy, CO2 and hydrogen storage, enhanced oil recovery), flow and transport modelling in electrochemical systems such as PEM fuel cells and redox flow batteries, flow and transport in manufactured porous media such as membranes, filters and catalysts. A summary of my career:
- Since 2025, President, International Society of Porous Media (InterPore)
- Since 2024, Head of Research, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Manchester, UK.
- Since 2023, President-Elect, International Society of Porous Media (InterPore)
- Since 2022, Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Manchester, UK.
- Since 2021, Deputy Head of Research, School of Engineering, University of Manchester, UK.
- Since 2021, Director of Subsurface Energy Engineering MSc Programme, University of Manchester, UK.
- 2020- 2022, Reader, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Manchester, UK.
- 2018- 2020, Senior Lecturer, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Manchester, UK.
- 2014- 2018, Lecturer, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Manchester, UK.
- 2011- 2014, Research Reservoir Engineer, Shell, The Netherlands.
Dr Mehrdad Vasheghani Farahani
I am a Lecturer in Chemical Engineering the Department of Chemical Engineering at The University of Manchester. My research lies at the interface of transport phenomena, thermodynamics, multiphase flow, and reactive transport in porous and process systems. I integrate advanced experimental methods with numerical modelling (CFD and LBM) and data-driven approaches to understand, design, and optimise coupled physicochemical processes in energy, environmental, and materials engineering applications. My research vision primarily focuses on advancing sustainable porous media technologies. A summary of my career:
- Since 2025, Lecturer in Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Manchester, UK.
- 2025-2026, Research Fellow, Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Manchester, UK.
- 2023-2025, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Manchester, UK.
- 2022-2023, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Engineering, The University of Warwick, UK.
- 2021, Flow Assurance Software Developer, Hydrafact Ltd., UK.
- 2017-2021, PhD in GeoEnergy Engineering, Centre for Gas Hydrate Research, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK.
- 2015-2017, Reservoir Engineer, Tavana Technology Centre, Tavana Energy Kish Co., Iran.
- 2013-2015, MSc in Petroleum Engineering, Aryamehr University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
- 2009-2013, BSc in Petroleum Engineering, Aryamehr University of Technology, Tehran, Iran.
Expertise and Facilities
IMPRES specialises in advanced computational modelling and experimental techniques to characterise and simulate processes in porous materials. Our expertise spans pore-network modelling, lattice Boltzmann modelling, microfluidics, X-ray microCT imaging, fluid characterisation, and core-flooding experiments, applied to subsurface engineering and electrochemical systems.
Pore-network modelling
Development of GPU-accelerated pore-network models for simulating single-phase flow, two-phase flow, reactive transport (coupled with PHREEQC), electrochemical transport, and non-Newtonian fluid flow in porous materials. Applications include subsurface engineering projects such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), enhanced oil recovery (EOR), hydrogen storage, and electrochemical devices like PEM fuel cells and redox flow batteries.
Lattice Boltzmann Modelling
Development of GPU-accelerated lattice Boltzmann models for simulating single-phase flow, two-phase flow, reactive transport (coupled with PHREEQC), and wettability alteration in porous materials. Applications include subsurface engineering projects such as CCS, EOR, and hydrogen storage.
Optical and Fluorescence microscopy
Design and fabrication of PDMS micromodels, along with capabilities for conducting high-pressure and high-temperature glass micromodel experiments. Advanced optical microscopy capabilities enabling visualisation with an aspect ratio of 5:1 and an optical resolution of 1.7 micron/px. Advanced micro particle imaging velocimetry, enabling spatiotemporal evolution of velocity field in porous media.
microCT X-ray Imaging
3D and 4D X-ray imaging of transport processes in porous materials under low- and high-pressure conditions using in-house Henry Moseley X-ray imaging facilities and the UK Diamond Light Source, enabling detailed analysis of dynamic and structural properties.
Fluids Characterisation
Characterisation of fluid rheology, interfacial tension, rock-fluid contact angle, zeta potential, and particle size distribution, providing insights into fluid behaviour in porous systems.
Core-flooding Experiments
High-pressure and high-temperature core-flooding experiments conducted in tri-axial cells for subsurface applications, including reservoir characterisation and fluid flow analysis.
Our Team
Prof Dr Vahid Niasar
Founder and Team Lead
Dr Mehrdad V Farahani
Team Lead (2026- )
Prof Dr Senyou An
Honorary Reader at UoM (2023-)
Dr Christopher From
Post-Doctoral Research Associate (2023-)
Grace Esu-Ejemot Aquah
PhD student
Ehsan Vahabzadeh
PhD student
Tongke Zhou
PhD student
Sina Omrani
PhD student
Saleh Mohammadrezaei
PhD student
Mahtab Shahrzadi
PhD student
Yiqi Sun
PhD student
Arash Pourakaberian
PhD student
Qiuheng Xie
PhD studentWenxing Dai
PhD student
Mikhail Serebrenny
PhD studentIMPRES Alumni
Former Postdocs
Dr Nikolaos Karadimitriou
PDRA during 2014-2017
Dr Daniel Magnone
PDRA during 2017-2018
Dr Monika Walczak
PDRA during 2018-2019
Dr Yongqiang Chen
PDRA during 2019-2021
Dr Mohammad Javad Shojaei
PDRA during 2020-2021
Dr Javad Shokri
PDRA during 2023-2026
Dr Mehrdad V Farahani
PDRA and Research Fellow during 2023-2026Former PhDs
Dr Rimsha Aziz
PhD student during 2015-2018
Dr Omar E. Godinez Brizuela
MPhil and PhD student during 2015-2020
Dr Sharul Nizam Hasan
PhD student during 2016-2020
Dr Daniel Niblett
PhD student during 2017-2021
Dr Hamidreza Erfani
PhD student during 2017-2020
Dr Senyou An
PhD student during 2018-2021
Dr Takshak Shende
PhD student during 2019-2022
Dr Javad Shokri
PhD student during 2019-2023
Dr Farzaneh Nazari
PhD student during 2021-2025
Dr Amna Al-Qenae
PhD student during 2021-2025Former Visitors
Shanshan Zhou
Visiting PhD student (2022-2023)Research Portfolio
Our research portfolio covers a wide range of techniques, applications at various physical scales from pore to continuum and reservoir scale. Some of the key research areas are covered here.
Exploring subsurface porous rocks for efficient low-carbon energy production and storage, harnessing geological formations to support sustainable energy solutions and carbon sequestration.
Dynamics of CO2 Density-Driven Flow in Carbonate Aquifers
Erfani et al. (2021) investigated CO2 density-driven flow in carbonate aquifers, showing dispersion accelerates convection and increases dissolution flux. Geochemical reactions enhanced long-term storage but reduced sequestration in diffusion-dominated phases, highlighting the need for accurate geochemical modeling.
Exploring Carbonate Rock Dissolution Dynamics and the Influence of Rock Mineralogy in CO2 Injection
Shokri et al. (2024) studied carbonate rock dissolution during CO2 injection, finding flow rate and mineralogy significantly impact fracture profiles. Low flow rates caused uneven dissolution, while high rates led to uniform widening. Ankerite presence created a permeable dissolution-altered layer, unlike clay-rich carbonates.
Impact of capillary pressure hysteresis and injection-withdrawal schemes on performance of underground hydrogen storage
Nazari et al. (2024) investigated the impact of capillary pressure hysteresis and injection-withdrawal schemes on underground hydrogen storage (UHS) performance. They found that capillary pressure scanning curves had minimal impact on hydrogen saturation distribution but influenced well properties like withdrawal rates. High flow rates led to water upconing, reducing hydrogen productivity. The study highlights the interplay between Bond and capillary numbers in optimizing UHS efficiency.
Lattice Boltzmann simulation of dissolution of carbonate rock during CO2-saturated brine injection
An et al. (2021) investigated CO2-induced carbonate rock dissolution using a pore-scale lattice Boltzmann model. They found that flow rate significantly impacts dissolution patterns and permeability evolution. Their study highlights the importance of pore-scale simulations for accurate upscaling of reaction rates in carbon storage.
Subsurface Renewable Energy and Storage
Investigating porous media in fuel cells and batteries to enhance ion transport and energy efficiency for next-generation electrochemical systems.
Utilisation of 3D printed carbon gas diffusion layers in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells
Niblett et al. (2022) explored 3D-printed carbon GDLs for PEM fuel cells, finding improved oxygen transport but challenges with membrane deformation and hydrogen crossover, resulting in lower power densities. Their study highlights potential of 3D printing for GDL design.
Water cluster characteristics of fuel cell gas diffusion layers with artificial microporous layer (MPL) crack dilation
Niblett et al. (2023) studied impact of MPL cracks on water clusters in GDLs, showing increased cracking leads to larger clusters, hindering oxygen transport. Their work emphasises controlling MPL cracks to optimise water management in PEM fuel cells.
Characterisation of hydraulic properties of commercial gas diffusion layers
Aquah et al. (2024) investigated hydraulic properties of different commercial gas diffusion layers (GDLs) using CFD simulations. They found spatial heterogeneity in porosity and permeability, with compression significantly affecting in-plane permeability. Their study highlights the importance of pore size distribution and fibre alignment, suggesting implications for optimising GDL performance in fuel cells.
Fuel Cells and Batteries
Optimising enhanced oil recovery through porous media modelling, improving extraction efficiency while minimising environmental impact in subsurface reservoirs.
Integral effects of initial fluids configuration and wettability alteration on remaining saturation
Chen et al. (2021) explored the effects of initial fluid configuration and wettability alteration on oil recovery using X-ray micro-CT imaging. They found that secondary low salinity waterflooding unlocks oil from a broader range of pores compared to tertiary flooding. Their study emphasises the importance of initial fluid morphology in determining oil recovery efficiency.
Insights into the Impact of Temperature on the Wettability Alteration by Low Salinity in Carbonate Rocks
Mahani et al. (2017) investigated the impact of temperature on wettability alteration in carbonate rocks during low salinity waterflooding. They found that wettability alteration can occur at ambient temperatures, and the response varies with rock type and mineralogy. Their study highlights the role of surface charge changes and double-layer expansion in wettability alteration.
Enhanced Oil Recovery
Studying contaminant transport in porous soil and groundwater systems to develop remediation strategies for sustainable environmental protection and water resource management.
Hydro-dynamic Solute Transport under Two-Phase Flow Conditions
Karadimitriou et al. (2017) studied solute transport under two-phase flow conditions in porous media. They found that dispersion coefficients vary non-monotonically with saturation and are influenced by stagnant zones. Their study provides new insights into the hydrodynamics of transport in multiphase systems.
A transport phase diagram for pore-level correlated porous media
Babaei and Niasar (2016) investigated the impact of pore-level correlation length on solute transport in porous media using pore-network modeling. They found that increased correlation length reduces the range of mixed advection-diffusion regimes and significantly enhances dispersion coefficients. Their study highlights the importance of incorporating micro-scale correlation lengths into predictive models for accurate transport simulations.
Soil, Groundwater, and Contaminant Transport
Unravelling multiphase flow dynamics in porous media to advance fundamental understanding and applications in energy, environmental, and industrial processes.
Interplay of pore geometry and wettability in immiscible displacement dynamics and entry capillary pressure
Zhou et al. (2024) explored the interplay of pore geometry and wettability on immiscible displacement dynamics. They found that intermediate wettability can lead to curvature reversal and enhanced displacement efficiency, emphasising the need for 3D geometry in predictive models.
Impact of Displacement Direction Relative to Heterogeneity on Averaged Capillary Pressure-Saturation Curves
Shokri et al. (2022) investigated the impact of flow direction on capillary pressure-saturation curves in heterogeneous porous media. They found non-monotonic trends and significant flow rate dependency, highlighting gaps in upscaling capillary pressure models for heterogeneous systems.
Trapping and hysteresis in two-phase flow in porous media
Niasar et al. (2013) studied trapping and hysteresis in two-phase flow using pore-network modeling. They identified "reversible corner filling" as a key mechanism affecting fluid connectivity and trapping, challenging existing macroscopic models.
Fundamentals of Multiphase Flow and Transport in Porous Media
Analysing non-Newtonian fluid flow in porous media to innovate processes in oil recovery, filtration, and advanced material design.
Anomalies of solute transport in flow of shear-thinning fluids in heterogeneous porous media
Omrani et al. (2024) investigated solute transport in shear-thinning fluids through heterogeneous porous media, revealing non-monotonic dispersivity dependence on shear rate and Péclet number. Their study highlights the significant deviation from Newtonian fluid behavior, suggesting implications for large-scale solute transport modeling.
Upscaling Hydrodynamic Dispersion in Non-Newtonian FluidFlow Through Porous Media
An et al. (2022) explored hydrodynamic dispersion in non-Newtonian fluid flow through porous media, finding non-monotonic dispersivity with shear rate. Their study emphasises the role of fluid rheology and pore-scale correlations, suggesting enhanced fingering and transport complexity in shear-thinning fluids.
Non-Newtonian Fluid Flow in Porous Media
Funders and Industrial Clients
Collaboration with leading energy industries and funding support from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and industrial partners.
Testimonial of IMPRES alumni
Since 2014, I had the opportunity to collaborate with several talented PhD students and PDRA staff in IMPRES group.
The three years that I spent working with Prof. Niasar and the IMPRES group and the later continuous
collaborative work, have been a pure pleasure on all levels. Serious scientific work is being done,
including collaborations with renowned (inter-)national partners, in combination with a social and
friendly environment, promoting all aspects of a professional well-being.
Dr Nikolaos Karadimitriou
Former PDRA during 2014-2017; Now
A collaborative, supportive environment with culture of curiosity and adventuring in the unknown with
enthusiasm. It was a nice mix of science and socials.
Dr Rimsha Aziz
Former PhD student during 2015-2018; Now
During my time in IMPRES, I had the opportunity to improve my skills, develop new ones under Prof.
Vahid Niasar’s supervision. I was part of a highly talented team with a wide array of different skills
and a keen eye for quality research.
Dr Omar Emmanuel Godinez Brizuela
Former MPhil and PhD student during 2015-2020; Now
The experience in IMPRES group was great and eye-opening, and the chance to go to the Diamond Light
Source twice was a cherished moment. Above all, the word of wisdom that I gain throughout my PhD
journey is ‘Understand the subject matter and never memorize’
Dr Sharul Nizam Hasan
Former PhD student during 2016-2020, Now
As a post-doc, IMPRES was where I transitioned from being a research student to an independent
academic starting a faculty position a year after my PhD. Along the way we produced excellent soil
sustainability research working with groups across the North Sea.
Dr Daniel Magnone
Former postdoctoral researcher during 2017-2018; Now
Being part of the collaborative modelling group enhanced my exploratory research into novel concepts
for predicting polymer electrolyte fuel cell performance. The connections I developed here have had
long lasting impact on my career going forward.
Dr Daniel Niblett
Former PhD student during 2017-2021; Now
During my time at IMPRES as a PhD student I had the chance to work on both modelling and experimental
aspects of flow and transport in porous media. I really enjoyed IMPRES dynamic, friendly, supportive,
and collaborative environment.
Dr Hamidreza Erfani
Former PhD student during 2017-2020; Now
Being a part of IMPRES group is a fantastic and impressive experience. I would like to extend my
sincere thanks to all group members, especially Professor Vahid Niasar, for their solid support.
Dr Senyou An
Former PhD student during 2018-2021; Now
I spent two years in IMPRES group. During this time, I published in reputable journals and improved my
research skills a lot. I would thank Prof Niasar for his leadership and huge support. I would also
cherish the happy memories with the colleagues. I wish that I could always be in IMPRES.
Dr Yongqiang Chen
Former PDRA during 2019-2021; Now
In the IMPRES group, I did a microfluidic visualisation experiment as part of my PhD research. These
investigations assisted me in gaining a fundamental understanding of the flow of polymeric
non-Newtonian fluids at the pore scale and enhancing the numerical approach.
Dr Takshak Shende
Former PhD student during 2019-2022; Now
During my time as a postdoctoral researcher at the IMPRES group, I embarked on an incredible journey
that profoundly shaped my career. The experience was nothing short of fantastic, as it provided me
with a rich and vibrant environment for academic growth and personal development.
Dr Mohammad Javad Shojaei
Former PDRA during 2020-2021; Now
IMPRES exemplifies collaborative research and innovative thinking. Learning to critique my own work
before external feedback, was a key lesson. Our teamwork culture and diversity of research topics made
every interaction a learning opportunity. We celebrated friendship while exchanging ideas that
transcended disciplinary boundaries.
Dr Javad Shokri
Former PhD (2019-2023); Now
My 3.5 years with Prof. Vahid and the IMPRES group shaped not only my research but also my career. Their trust, encouragement, and
inspiring spirit made every challenge worthwhile. IMPRES is a place where ideas come to life. I’ll deeply miss our collaborative
and uplifting environment.
Dr Farzaneh Nazari
Former PhD during 2021-2025; Now
Being part of the IMPRES group during my PhD journey was a truly meaningful experience. With Prof Vahid Niasar’s guidance and
the group’s supportive spirit, I felt constantly inspired to grow, challenge myself, and contribute to impactful research.
It’s a journey I’ll always value deeply.
Dr Amna Al-Qenae
Former PhD during 2021-2025; Now
Contact Us
For general inquiries or specific research collaborations, please contact the Team Leads.
Prof Vahid Niasar
Office 53, Core 3, Floor 5, Nancy Rothwell Building
+44 (0) 161 52 93 082
Dr Mehrdad V Farahani
Office 52, Core 4, Floor 5, Nancy Rothwell Building
mehrdad.vasheghanifarahani@manchester.ac.uk
+44 (0) 161 275 8276
Postal Address
Department of Chemical Engineering,The University of Manchester,
Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
Visiting Address
Nancy Rothwell Building, Booth Street East, Manchester