Mehreen Saleem Gul (BEng, PhD, CEng, FHEA, MCIBSE) is an Associate Professor and Global Head of Discipline in Architectural Engineering in the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS) at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh.
Mehreen’s key research interests focus on low-carbon buildings and advancing equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) for marginalised communities in the energy sector. She was the recipient of the UKERC Phase 4 Whole Systems Networking Fund in 2023 to investigate Intersectionality in the careers of ethnic minority energy professionals.
Mehreen is currently leading a prestigious £0.8 million UKRI Cross Research Council Responsive Mode-funded project (MR/Z505419/1 to advance the use of biochar, a sustainable material, in buildings. In 2026, building on her biochar research, she is now a Co-Lead on the £5.7 million SmartChar project , led by Aston University, Birmingham, which aims to transform construction through carbon-storing, self-monitoring concrete. She also serves as the EDI Lead for SmartChar, bringing extensive experience in equality-driven engagement and ensuring inclusive practice across all work packages.
Mehreen was also the recipient of the Royal Academy of Engineering Industrial Secondment Fellowship (IF\192065. She served as Chair of the EGIS Athena Swan committee from 2019 to 2021, leading a large team to develop and implement actions to improve gender equality, which resulted in the School achieving an Athena Swan Bronze Award.