Dr. Ali Jahanian | Energy Optimization Awards | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ali Jahanian , Queensland University of Technology , Australia

Dr. Ali Jahanian is a Research Fellow in Bioprocess Engineering at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and the ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology. With a PhD in Bioprocess Engineering and over eight years of experience in research and manufacturing, Dr. Jahanian has developed a novel biocatalytic process for synthesizing morphinan alkaloids and currently focuses on mechanistic and data-driven modelling in bioprocessing. He has expertise in industrial bioprocess design, simulation, optimization, and techno-economic assessments. His collaborative work with industry partners contributes to high-impact research projects, emphasizing innovation in the circular bioeconomy and advanced fermentation systems. Dr. Jahanian has received numerous accolades, including the CSIRO’s ON Prime Award for innovation and the Australian Government Research Scholarship.

Professional Profile:

Scopus

🎓Education:

Dr. Ali Jahanian holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Bioprocess Engineering from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), where he completed his thesis on developing a novel bioprocess for manufacturing codeine from thebaine (2018-2022). He also earned a Master of Chemical Engineering in Biotechnology from Sahand University of Technology, Iran, focusing on evaluating a new method for methanol production from methane using a biological method in an external-loop airlift bioreactor (2011-2014). Additionally, he obtained a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering in Food Industries from Sahand University of Technology, with a thesis proposing a hybrid model (ionization and biological) for the complete removal of SOx compounds from emitted gases in a pilot plant (2007-2011).

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Ali Jahanian is currently a Post-doctoral Research Fellow in Bioprocess Modelling at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), where he has been working since 2022. In this role, he models industrial-scale bioreactors (10-100 m³) for aerobic microbial fermentation to minimize energy consumption, applies machine learning tools for the prediction and optimization of bioprocesses, and undertakes process modelling of pilot-scale fermentation for value-added product production. His responsibilities also include scaling up, process modelling, and conducting techno-economic analyses in collaboration with industry partners. From 2018 to 2022, Dr. Jahanian was a PhD researcher at QUT, focusing on thebaine to codeine bioconversion, where he developed and scaled up processes. Prior to his time at QUT, he served as an Analyzing Specialist at Sahand University of Technology, Iran (2016-2017), a Research and Development Engineer at Baran Chemistry Co. (2015-2016), and a Process Site Engineer at Persian Chlorine Co. (2014-2015).

🏆Awards & Achievements:

Dr. Ali Jahanian has received several notable awards and recognitions throughout his career. In 2024, he was honored with the CSIRO’s ON Prime Award for Innovation. He was awarded the Australian Government Research Scholarship in 2017 and participated in the Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Project in 2018. Dr. Jahanian has been a patentee and a member of the State Organization for Registration of Deeds and Properties since 2017. His academic excellence is highlighted by being the top-ranked student among his classmates in the Biotech Master Courses in 2014 and being a distinguished candidate who received the Iranian Government Scholarship through a nationwide entrance exam in both 2007 and 2011.

Publication Top Notes:

Title: Advancing precision fermentation: Minimizing power demand of industrial scale bioreactors through mechanistic modelling

Authors: Jahanian, A., Ramirez, J., O’Hara, I.
Journal: Computers and Chemical Engineering