Established in 1994, the are widely recognised as the world’s most prestigious chemical engineering awards. They celebrate chemical engineering excellence and cover the breadth of the chemical and process industries.
Professor Joan Cordiner, Head of the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering, remarked:
"To have finalists in six categories is a remarkable achievement in itself. Securing two awards plus one highly commended project is a testament to the groundbreaking research and innovation that define our School. I am immensely proud of all those who reached the finals."
Prize Winners:
Project: Innovating and Digitalising mRNA Vaccine and Therapeutics Production Platform Processes
Award: Biopharma Award (Sponsored by Bouygues)
This award recognises excellence in the application of biochemical and pharmaceutical engineering. Dr Kis’s innovative approach to mRNA vaccine production was acknowledged for its transformative potential in developing efficient processes and equipment to produce high-quality, cost-effective mRNA medicines.
"It is exciting and rewarding to apply chemical engineering skills to innovate and digitalise mRNA vaccine and therapeutics manufacturing processes. Developing more efficient processes and equipment to produce high-quality, cost-effective mRNA medicines at a faster pace has a tremendous impact, as this platform technology can produce a wide range of vaccines and therapeutics. The transformative potential of mRNA is advancing preventions and treatments for infectious diseases, cancers, (auto)immune disorders, rare diseases, cardiovascular conditions, veterinary vaccines and much more, providing substantial benefits to health."
Dr Zoltán Kis, Senior Lecturer, School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering
Professor Peter Styring and Dr George Dowson
Project: FluRefin: Low-Cost, Low-Energy COâ‚‚ Capture and Refining Technology
Award: Business Start-up Award (Sponsored by Sellafield Ltd)
This award recognises the best organisation, formed within the last five years, contributing significantly to the chemical and process industries.
"Receiving this award is a tremendous honor and reflects the hard work and innovation that went into developing FluRefin. Our low-cost, low-energy COâ‚‚ capture technology aims to make a real difference in addressing global emissions, transforming captured carbon into valuable resources. This recognition inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries of sustainable chemical engineering solutions."
Professor Peter Styring, Professor of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering
Highly Commended Finalist:
Project: Chem Eng Academy: Democratising Chemical Engineering Education
Award: Training and Development Award (Sponsored by adi Group)
This project was acknowledged for its excellence in education and training, addressing skills gaps, and positively impacting public perception of chemical engineering.
"The Chem Eng Academy is dedicated to transforming chemical engineering education by making it accessible and personalised for all. Being recognised for providing this service highlights our commitment to empowering learners worldwide and reinforces our mission to deliver free, world-class engineering education that bridges knowledge gaps and inspires future generations."
Professor Mohammad Zandi. Professor of Chemical Engineering Education, School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering
Other Finalists:
Professor Peter Styring (FluRefin) — Innovative Product Award (Sponsored by Harbour Energy)
Recognised for outstanding process innovation implemented commercially since January 2020.
"Reaching the finals for the Innovative Product Award is a great acknowledgment of the innovation and effort behind FluRefin. This recognition motivates us to keep pushing the boundaries of chemical engineering to tackle global environmental challenges."
Professor Peter Styring, Professor of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering
Dr Louis Allen (entered as Mr Louis Allen, congratulations on becoming a Dr!) — Young Researcher Award (Sponsored by Elsevier)
Acknowledged for impactful research addressing critical technical, economic, and environmental issues.
"It’s an incredible honor to be recognised for my research. This award motivates me to continue exploring innovative solutions that address real-world challenges. Chemical engineering offers endless opportunities to make a positive impact, and I’m excited to contribute to advancements that benefit both industry and society."
Dr Louis Allen. Postgraduate researcher, School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering
We would also like to recognise the work both Professor Joan Cordiner and Professor Rachael Rothman have contributed to the UK Hub for Research Challenges in Hydrogen and Alternative Liquid Fuels (UK-HyRES)
Industry Project Award, Sponsored by Nexos
Project: UK-HyRES, UK – UK Hub for Research Challenges in Hydrogen and Alternative Liquid Fuels
This award recognises the best chemical engineering project, undertaken in the last four years, to be implemented in industry.