Dr.-Ing. Yiran Mao

Group Leader @FZJ IFN-1 - advanced heat sink components for fusion application

Jülich, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

About

Experience

  • Forschungszentrum Jülich (11 yrs 8 mos)
    • Group Leader - young investigator group - fusion heat sink components
      Jul 2025 - Present · 1 yr

      I am enthusiastic about realizing fusion as a sustainable energy solution for humankind! I am honored to lead the newly established junior research group “Innovative heat sink for fusion applications”, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Our mission is to design and develop innovative, high-performance heat transfer solutions for the extreme environments of future fusion reactors. Our focus lies at the intersection of materials science, thermal engineering, and fusion technology. We aim to explore advanced materials, novel liquid metal heat pipe architectures, and plasma-facing components capable of handling unprecedented heat loads, ultimately contributing to the success of sustainable fusion energy. This role marks an exciting new chapter – building a team, shaping a research vision, and working collaboratively across academia and industry. I’m always open to new connections, ideas, and collaborations in the areas of thermal management, fusion energy, and advanced materials.

    • Research Scientist
      Sep 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 10 mos

      Project management of production upscaling of advanced W composites Responsible for the development of advanced metal matrix composites based on powder metallurgy processes Coordination of the whole procedure for new material development; collaboration with international manufacturing and characterization partners.

    • Postdoctoral Researcher
      May 2019 - Aug 2022 · 3 yrs 4 mos

      Production upscaling of advance tungsten composites for future fusion reactor

  • Postdoc-Stipendiat at Hefei University of Technology
    Sep 2019 - Aug 2021 · 2 yrs

    Production upscaling of advance tungsten composites for future fusion reactor

  • Internship at Novelis
    Jun 2014 - Aug 2014 · 3 mos

    Characterization of aluminum alloy

  • Research Assistant at Gießerei-Institut Der RWTH Aachen
    May 2013 - May 2014 · 1 yr 1 mo

    Development of directional solidification experiment of nickel-based superalloy to produce single crystal turbine blade & Operation of investment casting process