Professor Dr. Wan Mohd Ashri Wan Daud has been at the forefront of advancing chemical engineering through research that bridges fundamental science with real-world industrial applications. Recognised internationally for his pioneering contributions to activated carbon technology, adsorption engineering, biomass conversion and clean energy, he has played a defining role in shaping Malaysia's research landscape in environmental and energy engineering. His work has consistently addressed some of today's most pressing global challenges such as carbon capture, wastewater treatment, renewable fuels and sustainable resource utilisation, while positioning Universiti Malaya as a leading centre of excellence in chemical engineering research.
Educated in the United Kingdom, Professor Wan Mohd Ashri obtained his Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Leeds before completing both his Master's degree in Combustion Science and PhD in Adsorption and Reaction Engineering at the University of Sheffield. Since joining Universiti Malaya in 1997, he has dedicated his career to advancing both research and academic leadership, serving in numerous key administrative positions, including Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Dean of the Advanced Engineering and Technology Research Cluster.
At the heart of his research lies the development of advanced carbon-based materials and catalytic systems for sustainable technologies. His pioneering studies on activated carbon derived from agricultural biomass, particularly oil palm waste have transformed low-value biomass into high-performance materials for gas separation, pollutant removal and energy applications. His work has also made substantial contributions to biomass pyrolysis, hydrogen production, catalytic upgrading of biofuels, wastewater treatment and carbon dioxide adsorption, providing practical engineering solutions that support cleaner industrial processes and the transition towards a low-carbon economy.
Professor Wan Mohd Ashri's scientific influence extends well with an H-index of 80, more than 219 journal publications, over 26,900 citations, and research funding exceeding RM8.2 million, he is among the country's most influential chemical engineering researchers. His publications have become key references across multiple disciplines.
His outstanding research achievements have earned widespread recognition nationally and internationally. Among his most notable accolades are the Malaysia's Rising Star Award presented by Thomson Reuters and the Ministry of Higher Education in 2015, as well as recognition as a Highly Cited Author by Thomson Reuters for the global impact of his scientific publications.
Professor Wan Mohd Ashri's greatest legacy lies in the generation of knowledge and talent he has helped cultivate. Through supervising postgraduate researchers, mentoring young academics and leading multidisciplinary collaborations, he has nurtured a new generation of engineers and scientists whose work continues to expand the frontiers of sustainable engineering. His career exemplifies how rigorous scientific inquiry, innovative engineering and committed academic leadership can create lasting impact not only for the advancement of knowledge, but also for industry, society and environmental sustainability.
