Dr Steven Begg is Reader in Thermofluids and Sustainable Propulsion in the Advanced Engineering Centre (AEC) at the University of Brighton, where he plays a leading role in advancing low-carbon transport and energy technologies. His research focuses on experimental thermofluids, with particular expertise in liquid sprays, two-phase flows, optical diagnostics and the development of cleaner, more efficient propulsion systems. He leads collaborative research with industry, government and academic partners to accelerate the transition to sustainable powertrain and marine propulsion solutions. He has secured significant research funding, supervised postgraduate researchers, and contributed widely to the development of future transport and energy innovation.

Dr Begg has secured substantial research funding, including 10 EPSRC grants, 3 DfT/DTI/TSB Vehicle Foresight grants, European FP6 programme funding, and multiple INTERREG projects. He has been Principal or Co-Investigator in over 35 projects. His current projects include major initiatives in decarbonised marine propulsion (EPSRC "MariNH3" and "TITANZ") and the UKRI Future Leader Fellowship "Next Generation Spray Simulation Model".

Dr Begg began his academic career at the University of Brighton in 1995 as a Research Assistant. He was appointed Reader in 2013 and served as Course Leader for the IMechE and IET accredited Automotive and Mechanical Engineering pathways. He was appointed Deputy Director of Postgraduate Research Studies for the College of Life, Health and Physical Sciences in 2016. He is a former Director of the Advanced Engineering Centre and UoA Lead for B12 Engineering REF 2029. He has experience in a wide range of UG and PG courses, approaching teaching from an experiential perspective, building competence and subject knowledge, team working and consulting skills. At project level, he encourages students to investigate an applied research problem in the laboratories alongside academics, industry and PGR students. 

Dr Begg has successfully supervised 7 PhD and 1 MPhil completions and currently supervises 3 PhD students. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and maintains active membership in professional organisations including the IMechE, APC and the Universities Internal Combustion Engine Group. He serves as a grant peer reviewer for EPSRC and the British Council and has acted as external PhD examiner in the UK and abroad.

Dr Begg currently serves on the Topical Advisory Board of Fuels journal and as Special Issue Editor for "Advances in Propulsion and Energy Systems Utilising Alternative Fuels." 

I am interested in supervising research students in experimental thermofluids, powertrain engineering for future transportation, alternative fuels and advanced cycles, heat transfer, sprays, two-phase flows, laser and optical measurement techniques.

Current PhD students

Mr Zuhaib Nissar (2021-2025)  Sprays: Liquid Break-up and Droplet Distribution (completed)

Ms Aleksandra Skalba (2022-)  Universal Life Cycle Emissions Tool Applied to the EV's in Automotive Sector

Mr Ian Kemp (2022-)  Micropower Volumetric Machines as Energy Recovery Expanders in Two-phase Conditions

Miss Xiwen Zhang (2025-)  Improving solar photovoltaic–thermal system performance

UKRI Future Leader Felllowship (Dr Oyuna Rybdylova) Next generation spray simulation model (NGSSM), 2021-2025.  

KTP Supervisor for British Hovercraft Company, Sandwich, Kent (Emmanuel Sakyi),  2022-2025.