He previously researched on theoretically probing the intricate size-effects of nano/micro-plasticity (EU FP6, RTN 'Size-Depen') while conducting a first PhD in the University of Edinburgh. Both continuum and discrete descriptions were used for a study that covered not only the “on average” size-effects that have lately become much appreciated in engineering practice, but also spatio-temporal avalanche-like features of material deformation. Later he undertook an EPSRC funded second PhD (EP/D073944/1) in the University of Bristol, dealing with self-excited vibrations of flexible wind-prone bridges, which further led to a JSPS Fellowship with the University of Kyoto (ID No. PE 10565).