Dr Robin Hancocks

Industrial Placements

I am currently engaged with supporting MSc Industrial Placement students during their time in industry whilst studying at the University of Exeter in both the Engineering and Computer Science Departments. I am an experienced researcher with a strong background in several fields, including qualifications in Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Biology and Teaching. I have worked in research, building strong industry links, in sectors such as Food Technology, Composite Manufacturing, Motion Control, Microstructure Engineering and Education. I have experience with imaging systems such as Raman Confocal and Laser Scanning Confocal microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy, and micro-CT imaging. I also have experience of developing fluid flow imaging, modelling and characterisation, along with rheology, tribology, thermal, MRI and texture analysis of soft solids.

Research Interests

My main research interests have been in production methods for novel microstructured materials to achieve a functional goal – for example the reduction of salt or fat enclosed in food products without affecting flavour or texture. These microstructures have been produced using thermal, phase change, membrane, microwave, high-shear, high-pressure/impingement and other production technologies. I also have interests in fluid flow modelling, 2D+/3D additive manufacturing technology along with many other chemical and traditional engineering and computer systems research interests.

Previous Work

Before joining the team at Exeter I was Associate Professor of Food Engineering Technology at DTU in Denmark. Before that I worked for many years in research at the University of Birmingham after completing my PhD in chemical Engineering there on ‘Microstructured materials produced by membrane emulsification’.