How Abbas Bayatfar connects applied research and real-world engineering
For Abbas Bayatfar, engineering has always been more than design and calculations. It’s about solving real-world challenges with practical solutions. Born in Iran, Abbas holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (Solid Design) and a Master’s in Marine Structures. His academic path eventually led him to Belgium, where he earned an advanced Master’s in Shipbuilding at the University of Liège.
What began as a fully scholarship opportunity turned into a 13-year career at the university, where Abbas held a dual role as Research Engineer and Lecturer.
Building the bridge between applied research and industry
At the University of Liège, Abbas specialized in structural strength assessment, working with both simplified and finite element methods. His projects were far from theoretical. In fact, his research had direct applications in ship design, offshore structures, wind turbines and lock gates.
“I was always trying to bridge the gap between academia and industry”, Abbas says. “Even while working in applied research, I pushed to apply what we developed in industrial contexts.”
This approach led him to take on leading roles in major EU-funded R&D projects, including HOLISHIP, where he coordinated international teams, and BESST, where he contributed to the development of optimisation platforms for ship structures. His work helped make designs lighter, safer, and easier to produce, while staying aligned with evolving industry standards.
A move toward industry
While Abbas valued his time in academia, he eventually reached a crossroads. “I wanted to move beyond collaboration with industry, I wanted to work for the industry”, he explains. “It was time to turn theory into practice.”
That decision took him to France and the Netherlands, where he worked with engineering consultancies on retrofit and design projects for large container ships. But when he came across an opportunity at MULTI.engineering via LinkedIn, something clicked.
Joining MULTI.engineering
In January 2025, Abbas joined MULTI.engineering as a Senior Project Engineer within the Structural Discipline Department. His current role focuses on structural strength assessments during the concept and basic design phases – bringing together both simplified calculations and advanced finite element simulations.
His deep experience with tools like VeriSTAR Hull, Femap/Nastran, and modeFRONTIER, as well as his understanding of marine structures and design optimisation, make him a natural fit for the team.
“The variety and technical depth of the projects at MULTI.engineering immediately appealed to me”, Abbas says. “Each project challenges me in a different way, and that keeps me growing.”
A new mindset and a fresh set of challenges
Shifting from a academia setting to a commercially driven engineering context wasn’t without its challenges. “Working in real application with deadlines, client expectations, and real-world constraints was a big adjustment”, Abbas admits. “But I indeed enjoy it. You get to see your work come to life.”
He also notes that success in the industry often requires a mindset shift: “In academia, depth and going beyond the state of the art are everything. In today’s leading industries depth still matters, but you also need to move fast, deliver results, and keep clients happy.”
Looking ahead: leadership and impact
Abbas sees his role at MULTI.engineering as more than just technical execution. He wants to contribute as a mentor, coordinator, and future team leader.
“In the short to medium term, I’d like to take on more responsibility, mentor younger engineers, and contribute to business development”, he shares. “I’ve worked with international teams and led R&D projects across Europe. I’d love to bring that experience into my future at MULTI.engineering.”
His motivation is clear: “I want to help clients succeed. Seeing their satisfaction is what drives me.”
Theory matters, but what truly motivates me is to apply the theory, and seeing the client smile
