MEET OUR SUPERVISORS
We had the pleasure of talking with Saleh Jalbi, a senior engineer from SLPE and one of the supervisors at FRONTIErS. Saleh brings invaluable expertise in structural and geotechnical engineering for offshore substation and wind turbine projects. Join us as Saleh shares insights on the industry, the benefits of programs like FRONTIErS, and his vision for the future of offshore wind technologies.
Can you please provide some insight into your educational and professional background?
I am Saleh Jalbi (PhD, CEng MICE, CMarEng MIMarES), a Senior Engineer with six years of experience in the energy sector, mainly responsible for structural and geotechnical engineering activities within the offshore substation and wind turbine foundation design projects. These include in-place analyses of jackets and monopiles, as well as the assessment of temporary stability during installation phases. I joined SLPE after completing my PhD on offshore wind turbine support structures at the University of Surrey, where I worked on numerous projects in Europe and elsewhere. During my PhD, I was involved in several research and development projects. I authored and co-authored multiple publications on the practical design of wind turbine generator foundations based on preliminary data and the overall dynamic performance of jacket structures, including the effects of soil-structure interaction.
How or why did you join the FRONTIErS network?
This has been done through previous collaborations between SLPE and Dr. Prendergast from the University of Nottingham such as the Innovate UK smart grant by UKRI. We have formed a close relationship through securing different grants to develop state-of-the-art engineering analysis and health monitoring methods. We have joined FRONTIErs network to build upon the work already done and I am very excited about the outcome.
From your perspective, what are the primary benefits of participating in an MSCA doctoral network?
FRONTIErs has an exceptional network of both industrial and academic partners. There will be a lot of learning opportunities and synergies in research outcomes through the secondment program. This builds on the legacy of the offshore wind sector where developers, engineering design houses, installation contractors, academic institutions, and even software developers all collaborate for more sustainable developments.
Looking ahead, how do you envision the FRONTIErS network’s evolution by the program’s conclusion?
Primarily, the theses produced by bright students of this program will have a direct impact on how we analyse, design, and de-risk offshore wind turbine support structures. This network will definitely foster a strong relationship between the participating partners and open the doors for further developments in the near future.