For this Topical Tuesdays we will hear from Old Pauline, Dr Paddy Cullen (1999-2004), CEO of Methanox, who will discuss the impact of methane on the climate crisis.
Methane is over 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over its first 20 years in the atmosphere, yet millions of tonnes are released every year from engines powered by natural gas. This talk explores why methane emissions have become one of the fastest-growing climate challenges, how new regulations are transforming industries such as shipping and power generation, and how advances in catalyst technology could provide one of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Drawing on both academic research and the journey of building a climate technology start-up, the talk will also explore how scientific discoveries can be translated into technologies with real-world impact.
Dr Paddy Cullen (1999–2004) is a materials scientist and entrepreneur specialising in nanomaterials, catalysis, electrochemistry and sustainable energy technologies, with an emphasis on translating fundamental research into deployable technologies. He studied Chemistry at Balliol College, Oxford, before completing a PhD in nanomaterials and condensed matter physics at University College London in collaboration with Imperial College London. Following postdoctoral research at UCL, he joined Queen Mary University of London, where he progressed from Lecturer to Senior Lecturer in Renewable Energy.
Dr Cullen has published more than 30 peer-reviewed research papers spanning nanomaterials, batteries, catalysis, fuel cells and two-dimensional materials, including work in journals such as Nature, Nature Chemistry and Nature Nanotechnology. He is also a named inventor on multiple patents relating to advanced catalyst technologies.
Paddy is the CEO and co-founder of Methanox, a climate technology company developing catalytic solutions to abate methane emissions from natural-gas-powered engines. He led the company’s $2 million pre-seed funding round in early 2025 and is now advancing the technology towards pilot deployments in collaboration with leading engine manufacturers. Methanox’s first commercial market is LNG-fuelled ships, where tightening environmental regulations are driving demand for methane abatement. The company’s second target market is land-based power generation, including the rapidly expanding fleet of gas engines being deployed to power AI data centres.
Find out more about St Paul’s Topical Events here.