Dr Shiva Shirani wins Innovandi NanoCem Prize

Dr Shiva Shirani, a postdoctoral researcher from the University of Malaga in Spain, has been awarded the prestigious Innovandi NanoCem Prize 2024 for her groundbreaking work using advanced 4D nano-imaging technology to study low-carbon cement. This research could help shorten the time it takes for low-carbon concrete to harden, which is crucial for making it more competitive.

The Innovandi NanoCem Prize, awarded by the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), recognises outstanding academic research that supports the cement and concrete industry’s efforts to achieve net zero emissions. Dr Shirani has received a prize of US$5,000 for her work.

Dr Shirani’s research focuses on studying how cement particles evolve over time in 4D, using X-ray imaging to provide valuable insights into the hydration process. Speaking about her achievement, she said, "This research is crucial to making low-carbon cement competitive, and thanks to the GCCA, I can share it with the world to promote sustainable construction."

The prize is part of the GCCA’s broader efforts to support innovation in the concrete industry, with a focus on developing low-carbon materials and improving manufacturing processes. GCCA cement, innovation and ESG director, Claude Loréa, highlighted the importance of research in achieving the industry’s 2050 Net Zero Concrete Roadmap. “Innovation and research are key to unlocking and speeding up our pathway to a net zero future,” she said. “Shiva Shirani’s entry stood out as exceptional above the others. Many congratulations to Shiva and to everyone who applied.”

The competition attracted 32 applications from researchers across 20 countries. The entries were judged by a panel from the Global Cement and Concrete Research Network, with criteria including scientific quality, relevance to net zero goals, and innovation.

Three other researchers also received honourable mentions: Xin Liu from Southeast University in China, Keshav Bharadwaj Ravi from Oregon State University in the US, and Zhanar Zhakiyeva from the University of Grenoble-Alps in France.

The next Innovandi NanoCem Prize competition will open in early 2026, inviting entries from researchers working on projects in 2024 and 2025.