Originally a mechanical engineer, Dr. Guillermo Rein learned about fire protection engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, while completing his Ph.D. on smoldering combustion and was immediately drawn to the field. Inspired by the ability to contribute to research that helps serve and protect countless communities, Guillermo discovered a field where he could offer his wealth of knowledge and scientific skills.
Guillermo is one of the newest additions to the advisory board for the Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI), part of UL Research Institutes, and brings with him a strong background in fire science, fire safety research, and academic pursuits. Currently a professor of fire science at the Imperial College London, Guillermo’s research centers on fire science, heat transfer, and combustion of solid fuels like wood and polymers. His current research focuses on wildfires, lithium-ion batteries, and timber buildings, topics presenting the greatest risks to communities all over the world.
When asked how he stays up to date in his field of expertise, Guillermo emphasizes the importance of his network. Aside from observing what is being published in journal articles, he explained that he is able to stay up to date in his field through his network of fellow scientists, researchers, students, and other colleagues. With these connections, Guillermo can dedicate time to reading their research, discussing their findings, attending conferences, and discovering new opportunities. With one of those new opportunities being able to serve on the FSRI Advisory Board, Guillermo was honored for the offer. Admiring FSRI for years prior, Guillermo was very familiar with FSRI research, the FSRI research team, and several other members already serving on the advisory board.
“As we think about the future of fire protection engineering, everyone from researchers to firefighters are going to be busy. Every day, new challenges and issues present themselves in the built environment and we must keep working to continue protecting people, their property, and the environment.”
— Guillermo Rein, Professor of Fire Science, Imperial College London
