Catalogue of Possibilities / Supervisors

Dr Swayamdipta Bhaduri he/him

Flows, fields, and forces

Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering

James Watt School of Engineering

Research interests:

Microfluidics, Soft matter, Complex fluids, Biofilms, Biomedical optics, CCUS, Biophysics, Nanotechnology, Physics of Living Systems, Active Matter

Research fields:

Microfluidics, Soft matter, Biofilms, CCUS, Bionanotechnology, Transport Phenomena, Biophysics, Colloids, Chemical Physics, Biophotonics

Strategic Research Areas

Why do you want to join the DiveIn community?

I’m drawn to the DiveIn CDT because its vision aligns closely with both my research values and personal motivations. I believe that solving the world’s most urgent challenges — from climate change to public health — requires interdisciplinary thinking, inclusive training environments, and a commitment to collaborative, socially-engaged research. DiveIn’s emphasis on co-creation, equity, and real-world impact resonates strongly with how I approach both science and supervision. As a researcher working at the interface of materials science, fluid mechanics, and biomedical engineering, I’m especially excited by the opportunity to contribute to interdisciplinary projects that bridge physical sciences with environmental and human systems. I see enormous potential for research that combines sensing, responsive materials, and systems engineering to address sustainability, global health equity, and planetary wellbeing. What also stands out about DiveIn is its active commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, not just as a parallel initiative but as a core part of its training philosophy. I’ve spent much of my academic career in global, multicultural settings and have seen firsthand how inclusive mentorship and representation can transform outcomes. I would be proud to support the CDT’s mission in building a truly diverse cohort of future research leaders. Joining the DiveIn community would also allow me to contribute meaningfully as a new faculty member at Glasgow, based in Singapore. I bring a global perspective, connections in North America and the Asia-Pacific, and a strong interest in integrating international research and policy ecosystems into the CDT’s broader efforts. I see DiveIn not only as a platform for transformative research, but also as a vibrant, values-driven community — and I would be excited to help shape its future!

Personal profile:

I am a mechanical engineering academic working at the intersection of nanotechnology, soft matter, and complex fluids, with a strong interest in biomedical optics and advanced materials. My research passion lies in understanding how materials behave at small scales and how we can engineer responsive systems to solve challenges in health, sustainability, and energy. Being a new assistant professor, I don’t yet have an independent research group. But in the near future, my team will investigate the mechanics of soft and functional materials, using both experimental and computational tools. We are particularly interested in environmental applications like underground carbon capture and biomedical applications such as bacterial biofilms and antibiotic resistance. Fundamentally, I am curious to unlock the mysteries of collective behaviour in living systems such as microbial ensembles using a synergy of nanotechnological and biophotonic tools.

I am keen to build collaborations that bridge the physical sciences, life sciences, and engineering — particularly with researchers in materials chemistry, data science, environmental science, and medicine. Being based at the University of Glasgow’s Singapore campus also offers opportunities for international and industry partnerships in Asia-Pacific, which I hope to integrate into CDT activities.

CDT projects I would like to supervise would involve interdisciplinary approaches to global-scale problems — such as soft robotic systems for environmental monitoring, bioinspired materials for healthcare, or optical sensing platforms for water and air quality.

I am an engaged and supportive supervisor, attentive to both intellectual development and well-being. I encourage autonomy while providing structured mentorship, and I tailor my guidance to suit students’ learning styles and career goals. Students I have mentored have gone on to PhDs, academic roles, and R&D positions in industry. Equity, diversity, and inclusion are integral to my academic ethos. I strive to foster an inclusive, respectful environment in both research and teaching. I have worked with students from a wide range of nationalities, identities, and backgrounds, particularly in globally diverse settings like Canada and the US. I am committed to mentorship that is culturally aware and equitable, and to addressing structural barriers where I can — whether through one-on-one support or broader advocacy.

Outside of work, I am passionate about the arts, music, and cultural exchange. I regularly engage in community events and enjoy mentoring students, not just in science but in building fulfilling lives and careers

https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/engineering/staff/swayamdiptabhaduri