About e-STeP Lab
The Engineering Science and Thermophysical Properties Lab (e-STeP Lab) is committed to advancing research in next-generation refrigerant properties, thermophysical measurements, sustainable cooling technologies, and machine learning for energy systems. Our mission is to develop innovative technologies that enhance energy conversion, thermal management, and sustainability while addressing global challenges in energy and environmental science.
Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation
Our research integrates experimental and computational methods to study fluid properties, heat and mass transfer, and thermophysical behavior of materials. We leverage advanced experimental techniques, numerical modeling, molecular simulations, and artificial intelligence to improve energy efficiency and develop next-generation thermal systems.
Key Research Areas
Research Areas
The e-STeP Lab is a primarily computational and theoretical research group. We use molecular simulation, atomistic modeling, and machine learning to investigate thermophysical and transport properties of fluids, materials, and electrochemical systems, supported by precision and validation experiments.
We apply molecular dynamics (MD) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations to predict thermophysical and transport properties of pure fluids, refrigerant mixtures, and functional materials. Our work targets equation-of-state development, viscosity, thermal conductivity, and diffusivity across a wide range of thermodynamic conditions, complemented by precision validation experiments.
We investigate atomistic behaviours and transport phenomena in electrochemical systems, with a focus on thermal management and degradation mechanisms. This includes ion transport at interfaces, solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, and the molecular-level aging mechanisms relevant to batteries and supercapacitors for next-generation energy storage and data-centre cooling applications.
We study the molecular mechanisms governing transport phenomena in nanofluids and polymeric fluids — including viscosity, thermal conductivity, and diffusion. Using atomistic and coarse-grained simulations, we establish structure–property relationships that inform the design of advanced heat-transfer fluids and soft materials for engineering applications.
Our Members
Faculty
- Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore (NUS), 2010
- B.E., Mechanical Engineering (First Class Honours), Yangon Technological University, Myanmar, 2004
- Professor · Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Kyushu University, Japan · 2025–present
- Associate Professor · Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Kyushu University, Japan · 2019–2025
- Associate Professor · Green Asia Education Center, Kyushu University, Japan · 2016–2019
- Research Scientist / Postdoctoral Fellow · King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia · 2011–2013
- Senior Research Fellow / Research Fellow · Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, NUS, Singapore · 2009–2016
Prof. Thu’s research applies second-law (exergy) analysis and multi-scale molecular simulations — spanning Density Functional Theory (DFT), Monte Carlo (MC), and Molecular Dynamics (MD) — across three principal fronts: thermophysical and transport properties of low-GWP refrigerants and nanofluids; interfacial chemistry and thermal management in solid-state batteries and electrochemical systems; and thermodynamic optimisation of waste-heat-driven adsorption desalination, hybrid multi-effect distillation (MEAD), and dew-point evaporative cooling cycles.
- Ranked among the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists for five consecutive years (2021–2025), Stanford / Elsevier citation index
- ~10,000 citations · h-index 58 · i10-index 144
- Editor-in-Chief, Evergreen — Joint Journal of Novel Carbon Resource Sciences & Green Asia Strategy
Administrative Staff
PhD Students
Master’s Students
Visiting Researchers
Alumni
Publications
News & Activities
Join Us
What We Offer
The e-STeP Lab is a primarily computational and theoretical research group at Kyushu University's Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Engineering Sciences (IGSES), one of Japan's leading research institutions. Our work spans molecular simulations, atomistic modeling, and machine learning for thermophysical and transport properties, complemented by precision and validation experiments. Lab members benefit from an international, English-speaking environment, close mentorship, and access to high-performance computing resources. MEXT scholarships are available for outstanding PhD candidates.
Open Positions
What We Look For
How to Apply
Before making contact, please read some of Prof. Kyaw Thu's recent publications to understand the lab's research direction. Then send a tailored enquiry explaining specifically why you want to join this lab and how your background fits. Generic emails are unlikely to receive a response.
View Prof. Kyaw Thu's publications on Google Scholar ↗
Please include the following in your initial email:
- A brief statement of your research interests and why you are drawn to this lab specifically
- Your CV or resume
- Academic transcripts (unofficial copies are fine at this stage)
- Contact information for one or two academic references
Contact
Address
Department of Advanced Environmental Science and Engineering
Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Kyushu University
kasuga-koen 6-1, Kasuga-shi, Fukuoka 816-8580, Japan
Tel:+81-92-583-7592, Fax:+81-92-583-7833
Email: kyaw.thu[at]kyudai.jp