Outstanding contributions in chemical engineering recognised
23rd February 2017
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) Medals and Prizes Committee has published its 2016 list of winners. Twenty five professionals have been awarded with IChemE medals and prizes for their outstanding contributions to the profession, in both research and industry.
IChemE’s medals programme covers a range of specialist areas within chemical, process and bio-chemical engineering. It honours those who have significantly contributed to research breakthroughs, inspired young engineers, or have given outstanding service in a particular industrial field. IChemE members can also be awarded for making special contribution to the Institution.
The latest announcement also marks the inclusion of the Davidson Medal. New for 2016, it recognises individuals who have demonstrated outstanding mentorship to young engineers; in honour of University of Cambridge Emeritus Professor, John Davidson. The inaugural winners are University of Bradford’s Professor Julian Chaudhuri and University of Cambridge’s Dr Silvana Cardoso.
University of Waikato’s Martin Atkins has been named winner of the Hanson Medal winner, which recognises the author of the best article in IChemE’s magazine The Chemical Engineer. He follows in the footsteps of fellow New Zealander and 2015 winner, Peter Gostomski.
Imperial College London scooped the most medals, with Professor Andrew Livingston, Dr Qilei Song, and Professor Martin Trusler all receiving accolades for their outstanding contributions to chemical engineering research.
USA’s Professor Christodoulos Floudas, Texas A&M University, was awarded the Sargent Medal posthumously. Floudas substantially influenced and shaped the field of process systems engineering during his academic career and was a world-renowned authority in mathematical modelling. He tragically passed away at the age of 56 in August 2016, during a family holiday in his home country of Greece.
IChemE’s Director of Policy and Publications, Claudia Flavell-While, said:
“We have a truly international honour roll for 2016 with chemical engineers from Australia, Brazil, China, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, USA and the UK all being recognised for their outstanding achievement within our profession. Our fully inclusive programme continues to receive a great deal of quality nominations each year, and it’s great to see that kind of peer support from the chemical engineering community. We award people who are best in their field, people who have made a difference, people who have inspired others. We do this because chemical engineering matters, and without their contributions society wouldn’t benefit.”
Winners will receive their medals and awards at a range of chemical engineering events during 2017, including IChemE’s Annual General Meeting held in May.