Dr Shwe Soe

Profile Photo
  • Qualifications:PhD (Additive Manufacturing), MSc in Competitive Manufacture (Distinction), BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering, Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (Distinction), Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), Chartered Engineer (CEng MIMechE), Institution of Mechanical Engineers
  • Position:Wallscourt Associate Professor in Digital Manufacturing
  • Department:College of Arts, Technology and Environment School of Engineering
  • Telephone:+441173287545
  • Email:Shwe.Soe@uwe.ac.uk
  • Social media: LinkedIn logo

About me

I am an Associate Professor in Digital Manufacturing within the School of Engineering at UWE Bristol, with over 25 years of experience spanning academic research, industrial innovation, and translational collaboration. My work focuses on advancing Additive Manufacturing and digital engineering technologies across polymer, metal, ceramic, and bio-based systems, with applications in aerospace, construction, healthcare, and biomedical engineering.

I lead interdisciplinary research that integrates generative design, multi-physics simulation, and advanced manufacturing processes to develop sustainable, high-performance solutions. My research portfolio has attracted approximately £1M in competitive funding from UKRI, EPSRC, DSTL, Innovate UK, industry, and internal UWE schemes, supporting doctoral researchers, postdoctoral staff, and the development of state-of-the-art experimental facilities, including large-scale concrete 3D printing.

Alongside research, I am committed to research-led education and academic leadership. I lead the Digital Manufacturing in Aerospace module and contribute to postgraduate and doctoral supervision, mentoring early career researchers, and fostering inclusive and industry-engaged learning environments. I actively collaborate with national and international partners and contribute to the wider research community through peer review for leading journals, grant reviewing for UK and international funding bodies, and invited academic engagements.

Area of expertise

My research focuses on advancing Digital and Additive Manufacturing through the integration of materials, process innovation, simulation, and design. I work across polymer, metal, ceramic, and construction-scale additive manufacturing, with strong links to aerospace, healthcare, defence, and sustainable construction.

My current and emerging research topics include:

  • Additive Manufacturing of polymers, metals, ceramics, and concrete
  • Digital manufacturing workflows and digital twins for AM
  • Generative design, lattice structures, and metamaterials
  • Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) and multi-material printing
  • Multi-physics simulation of AM processes (thermal, mechanical, and structural)
  • Energy absorption and impact mitigation structures
  • Biomedical and healthcare applications of Additive Manufacturing
  • Smart, programmable, and 4D printed materials
  • Sustainable and low-carbon manufacturing materials and processes
  • Large-scale and construction-scale 3D printing (including geopolymer concrete)

Doctoral supervision enquiries are welcome, including from self-funded UK and international students, as well as industry-collaborative projects in additive and digital manufacturing and related interdisciplinary areas, particularly those combining experimental research, advanced simulation, and real-world impact.

Publications

Publications loading Publications loading...

Back to top