High honours awarded for research and mentoring

High honours awarded for research and mentoring

10th May 2017

The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) presented medals to five individuals at its Annual General Meeting, held in Birmingham, UK today.

James Litster, Robert Mudde, and Qilei Song were presented with the Geldart Medal, the Frank Morton Medal and the Nicklin Medal respectively for their outstanding contributions to chemical engineering research. In addition, Silvana Cardoso and Julian Chaudhuri became the first recipients of the Davidson Medal, for their work mentoring engineering students.

Professor of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering at the University of Sheffield, James Litster, was presented with the Geldart Medal for his work in particle technology. Litster’s research, through development of key engineering mapping and modelling, has transformed the process for granulation. His approach is now widely used in the pharmaceutical industry.

He said:

“I’m honoured to receive the Geldart Medal from IChemE. Design and processing of particulate products such as pharmaceutical tablets is vital for the production of affordable medicines. Developments in chemical engineering science of particulate systems over the last 20 years have transformed the industrial processes to manufacture medicines more effectively, efficiently and reliably.

“It’s a fantastic example of what can be achieved when academia and industry comes together and I feel very privileged to have been part of these developments, working closely with colleagues at The University of Sheffield, CMAC Research Hub and the UK Particle Technology community.”

Professor of Multiphase Flow at Delft University of Technology’s Department of Chemical Engineering, Robert Mudde, was awarded the Frank Morton Medal for his contribution to teaching. The Dutch professor has taught the subject for over 25 years and was described as inspiring and innovative in his nomination.

Lecturer of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London, Qilei Song, was awarded the Nicklin Medal for his work in membrane technology. The young lecturer has made significant progress in this area, applying his extensive knowledge of porous materials to help tackle energy challenges such as storage and conversion.

ChemE’s new President, Chief Digital Officer at Snowy Hydro, John McGagh, presented the medals at IChemE’s AGM, held at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham, UK.

He said:

“I’m delighted to be with you today presenting awards in recognition of the important work chemical engineers carry out in Universities around the world.

“Their research provides new and exciting ideas delivering improved processes and their passion helps to inspire a new generation of chemical engineers. Both of these things are increasingly important if we want to continue to advance the profession for the benefit of society.”

The Davidson Medal honours University of Cambridge Emeritus Professor John Davidson, and was introduced to IChemE’s medal portfolio in 2016.

John Davidson attended the AGM especially to present the award to its first recipients; Reader in Fluid Mechanics and the Environment at University of Cambridge, Silvana Cardoso, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience at the University of Plymouth, Julian Chaudhuri

Cardoso said:

“Professor John Davidson is an inspirational fluid dynamicist in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at Cambridge.

“It’s therefore a great honour that my work with undergraduate and graduate students has been recognised by award of the first Davidson medal. I am extremely grateful for all the nominations from my past students for this award.”