Professor Dr. Hendrik Simon Cornelis Metselaar has been at the forefront of engineering research that transforms advanced materials into practical technologies for a more sustainable future. His work bridges the gap between fundamental materials science and industrial engineering, contributing to innovations in thermal energy storage, advanced ceramics, nanomaterials and renewable energy systems. Through an extensive international research career, he has helped develop engineering solutions that improve energy efficiency while supporting the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable technologies.
Originally from the Netherlands, Professor Hendrik obtained both his Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering and PhD in Energy Efficiency from the University of Twente before joining Universiti Malaya. Since then, he has become one of the University's leading figures in materials engineering, serving in numerous academic leadership roles, including Head of the Centre for Advanced Materials and Coordinator under the Deputy Dean (Research)'s Office. His leadership has played an important role in strengthening multidisciplinary research and advancing engineering excellence within the Faculty of Engineering.
His research spans a wide range of advanced engineering materials, particularly in ceramics, phase change materials (PCM), nanofluids, biomaterials, composite materials and thermal energy storage. Among his most influential contributions is the development of high-performance phase change materials capable of storing and releasing thermal energy more efficiently, supporting applications ranging from solar thermal systems to sustainable buildings and next-generation energy storage technologies. His work has also advanced ceramic composites, biomedical materials, tribology and environmentally friendly nanomaterials, reflecting a research portfolio that combines scientific depth with practical engineering impact.
Professor Hendrik has built an impressive international publication record with more than 100 journal publications, a scholarly book contribution and numerous high-impact papers published in leading journals such as Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Applied Thermal Engineering, Energy, Construction and Building Materials and Journal of Cleaner Production. His research has attracted more than RM10.7 million in competitive research funding, including High Impact Research (HIR), Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) and industry-supported projects, reflecting sustained confidence in both the quality and relevance of his work.
Beyond research, Professor Hendrik has made lasting contributions to the global academic community through editorial responsibilities, international collaborations, research evaluation panels and postgraduate supervision. He has served on the editorial board of international journals, delivered plenary lectures at global conferences, evaluated national research grants and supervised numerous Master's and PhD candidates who have gone on to contribute to academia and industry. His commitment to cultivating future engineers is matched by his dedication to maintaining high standards in engineering education and research governance.
Today, Professor Hendrik continues to advance research that connects materials innovation with sustainable engineering solutions. Whether developing next-generation thermal storage systems, improving advanced ceramic technologies or preserving cultural heritage through materials science, his work demonstrates how interdisciplinary engineering research can address global challenges while reinforcing Universiti Malaya's standing as a leading research-intensive university.
