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Influential Women in ON-DEM: Dr Francesca Orsola Alfano

Influential Women in ON-DEM: Dr Francesca Orsola Alfano

 

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In the expanding field of particle technology and discrete element methods, Dr Francesca Orsola Alfano stands out as a promising figure. Co-leading Working Group 6 within the ON-DEM Action, her research has had real impact, combining theoretical rigor, computational sophistication, and relevance for pharmaceutical applications.

Dr Alfano earned her PhD in Civil & Industrial Engineering in 2023 from the University of Calabria (UniCal), Italy. Her doctoral work, supervised by Prof. Alberto Di Renzo and Prof. Francesco P. Di Maio, is entitled “DEM-CFD Simulation of Fluid-Particle Flow in Carrier-Based Dry Powder Inhalers for Pharmaceutical Applications”. She also holds a BSc (2015) and MSc (2018) in Chemical Engineering from the same institution. After her PhD, she has continued her research at UniCal, and has held visiting positions at the University of Magdeburg (Germany) and the University of Leeds (UK).

Dr Alfano’s research centres on advanced numerical modelling using CFD-DEM to understand fluid-particle interactions in dry powder inhalers. Key areas include how carrier particles and active pharmaceutical ingredients interact, deaggregation dynamics, dispersion under airflow, and aerodynamic effects on powder release. Her work has made strong use of DEM simulation tools, adhesive interactions modelling, carrier-wall and particle collisions, and particle dispersion mechanisms.

Her strong publication record, international collaborations, and recognition for communicating her research (presentations, awards) all underline her growing influence. Her recent awards and recognition are listed here:

  • EFCE Excellence Award 2025 (Mechanics of Particulate Solids, European Federation of Chemical Engineering) for her PhD thesis; recognised for its technical quality, industrial relevance, innovation, and dissemination.

  • Young Researcher Award, Imperial College London, 2022

  • Best Presentation Award, World Congress on Particle Technology, Madrid, 2022

  • Best Paper Award, International Conference on Circulating Fluidized Bed Technology, Taiyuan, China, 2024

 Dr Francesca Orsola Alfano exemplifies the combination of rigorous computational science, attention to application, and strong academic communication. Her work not only advances fundamental understanding of particulate flows but also has significant implications for inhaler efficiency and respiratory drug delivery.

 

@Alexandros Theocharis