Chemical Engineering celebrates dual WCEC Award triumph

Two of Imperial's distinguished current and former leaders recognised in the World Chemical Engineering Council Awards.

Professor Claire Adjiman

Professor Claire Adjiman, Director of the Sargent Centre for Process Systems Engineering at Imperial, has been awarded the Research Excellence Award. She is a global frontrunner in molecular-scale process design, seamlessly integrating quantum chemistry with process systems engineering to optimise processes from first principles. Her groundbreaking 2017 Nature Chemistry paper on the computer‑aided design of solvents for accelerated reaction kinetics remains a milestone in computational process innovation. 

This is a recognition of the collective effort of an outstanding research team over many years. Professor Claire Adjiman Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering and Director, Sargant Centre

Claire said: "I am truly honoured to have been selected for a WCEC Research Excellence Award. This is a recognition of the collective effort of an outstanding research team over many years so I am especially delighted that the award will give me the opportunity to present our recent progress at the forthcoming World Congress on Chemical Engineering."

Professor Andrew Livingstone FRENG FRS

Imperial also celebrates the exceptional career of Andrew Livingston, Professor Emeritus and former Head of Department, Chemical Engineering (2008–2016). Andrew has been recognised with a WCEC Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering work on polymer membranes for organic solvent nanofiltration—demonstrating remarkable synergy between academic insight and industrial application. His leadership has ushered high-impact technology from lab to market, including founding the MET spin‑out and influencing pharmaceutical manufacturing process technologies.

I have been a chemical engineer all my professional life and have worked with fantastic colleagues. Professor Andrew Livingstone Former Head of Department, Chemical Engineering

Andrew said: “I am delighted to receive this award from the WCEC, which is a tremendous honour for me. I have been a chemical engineer all my professional life and have worked with fantastic colleagues who have all, in different ways, inspired and motivated me, and any success I have enjoyed should be attributed to them. Especially to those who have worked with me in my research group, my companies, and on collaborative projects – I thank you all, and look forward to more research and innovation!”

The World Chemical Engineering Council’s WCEC Awards are supported by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IchemE), recognizing outstanding contributions in the field of chemical and process engineering.

There are three award categories spanning all ages and career stages:
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Research Excellence Award (Mid-Career Professionals)
- Young Researcher Award