Chemical engineering leaders recognised at the 2026 ANZFChE Awards of Excellence

IChemE members and industry leaders were recognised at the 2026 Australian and New Zealand Federation of Chemical Engineers (ANZFChE) Awards of Excellence, presented during Chemeca 2026 and Hazards Australasia in Melbourne.

Leading the honours was Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) Fellow Keith Sharp, who was awarded the Chemeca Medal, the highest distinction in the chemical engineering profession across Australia and New Zealand.

Sharp was recognised for his outstanding contribution to chemical engineering and service to the profession throughout a career spanning almost 40 years. He was Lead Process Engineer for the design of Australia's first grain-to-ethanol plant in Dalby, Queensland, and has made a significant contribution to the bioenergy sector through his expertise in downstream oil and dangerous goods. He has also supported the profession through volunteering, mentoring and as the immediate past chair of the Engineers Australia Chemical College Board.

Reflecting on the recognition, Sharp said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award, reflecting 40 years in the fuel industry, including seven years developing the Dalby ethanol biorefinery. I am particularly proud of my advocacy for sustainability and low-carbon liquid fuels as well as my contribution to the profession through leadership and service to industry organisations. In recent years, the opportunity to volunteer my expertise, mentor and inspire the next generation through STEM activities, and give back to the engineering profession has been especially meaningful to me.”

Andrea Hosey, Chair of the Awards of Excellence judging panel, said: “The Federation Awards showcase the remarkable breadth of contribution to our profession, from technical excellence through to the development of our future engineers.

“The Chemeca Award winner will be familiar to many, having dedicated many years to volunteering at a senior level with both Engineers Australia and IChemE, alongside significant contributions to policy and the energy transition.

“Congratulations to all the winners, and let's celebrate the impact they have made across our profession.”

Other IChemE members were also recognised for their contributions to engineering excellence, education and professional development.

IChemE Chartered Chemical Engineer, Emma King, received the Training and Development Award for her outstanding contribution to developing engineering capability and supporting the professional growth of others. King is a Senior Process Engineer with GHD.

Annemarie Fawkner, Centre Chief Operations Officer at the ARC Centre for Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals, received the Student Experience and Development Award.

The ANZFChE Awards of Excellence recognise outstanding achievement, leadership and service across the chemical engineering profession in Australia and New Zealand. The awards were presented at the Chemeca 2026 and Hazards Australasia Gala Dinner on 29 September in Melbourne, Australia.

For more information about the ANZFChE Awards of Excellence, visit: https://www.anzfche.org/awards-of-excellence.

What is chemical engineering?

Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, mathematics and economics in the process of turning raw materials into everyday, and more specialist, products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Energy, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the industry sectors and products where chemical engineering plays a central role.

IChemE

The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) advances chemical engineering's contribution for the benefit of society. We facilitate the development of chemical engineering professionals and provide connections to a powerful network of around 32,000 members in more than 100 countries. 

We support our members in applying their expertise and experience to make an influential contribution to solving major global challenges, and are the only organisation permitted to award Chartered Chemical Engineer status and Professional Process Safety Engineer registration.