AEA Profile: Sujith Kollamthodi

Name: Sujith Kollamthodi
Qualifications: BSc (Hons), Chemistry MSc (Eng), Automotive Engineering
Current Role: Knowledge Leader – Sustainable Transport

In my role, I…

Since joining AEA in 2003 I have always worked in the area of transport, and I am now the Knowledge Leader for Sustainable Transport. As such, I provide technical leadership for all of our work on transport, providing high-level, expert input to proposals and projects in this area. I provide expert advice and support to other AEA consultants on sustainable transport issues, and work closely with both public and private sector clients. My work has a particular focus on vehicle technologies, fuels, and emissions – themes that are very closely linked to reducing the climate change impacts of the transport sector.

My role also includes sharing knowledge and expertise with the general public and other experts through channels such as the media and presenting at conferences. Recently, I was interviewed on BBC radio about practical measures that drivers and freight operators can take to reduce the amount of fuel that their vehicles consume. Last year, I presented at a conference, ‘Promoting Low Carbon Vehicles – Policy and Practical Action,’ alongside the CBI’s Director of Business Environment and other experts from industry and academia.

Highlights of the role…

Working at AEA has given me the opportunity to be involved in high-profile work that can really make a difference. Last year we were commissioned by the Department for Transport to carry out research on Low Carbon Commercial Shipping, looking at options for applying low-carbon technologies such as biofuels, solar and wind power and hydrogen fuel cells, to ships. When published, this research fed into the Government’s Low Carbon Transport Innovation Strategy and the 2007 Energy White Paper.

The best thing about working at AEA…

Working at AEA, you have the opportunity to get involved in a broad variety of high-profile, interesting work. We carry out environmental policy research across a broad range of areas for UK Government and the European Commission, but we also work with the private sector, helping customers on the ground to solve practical problems.

Since joining AEA, I have learnt…

Prior to joining AEA in 2003, my work had primarily been on air quality and environmental noise, and was particularly focused on road transport. Over the past five years, my technical expertise has broadened significantly to include climate change and low carbon transport technologies and fuels. I’ve also built up expertise in other modes of transport, including railways and shipping.