Research Showcase celebrates innovation and collaboration

The Department of Chemical Engineering hosted its inaugural Research Showcase, bringing together researchers, students, and partners.

Held at Imperial’s Department of Chemical Engineering, the event - a day of insight, inspiration and interdisciplinary exchange - highlighted pioneering research across sustainable energy, healthcare, food, advanced materials, and digital chemical engineering, amongst others.

Attendees had the opportunity to engage with almost 40 research posters and hear from leading academics and early-career researchers across a series of lightning talks and themed sessions.

This showcase is a testament to the pioneering work happening across our research labs and within our community. Professor Omar Matar Head of Department, Chemical Engineering

Head of Department Professor Omar Matar opened the event by celebrating the ambition of the Department’s research community. He said: “This showcase is a testament to the pioneering work happening across our research labs and within our community. It is also a chance for our researchers and attendees to connect with collaborators across disciplines and sectors.”

The programme featured talks from doctoral researchers and postdoctoral fellows, offering perspectives on projects ranging from carbon capture and hydrogen systems to process modelling and biomanufacturing.

The Department were delighted to welcome Dr James Cookson, Technology Leader, Johnson Matthey, for the keynote. James delivered an engaging talk entitled 'Metal science supporting the global net zero transition – challenges, opportunities, and skills', with focus on the manufacturing element of supporting the transition to net zero and its impact upon academia. 

The interactive poster session gave attendees an opportunity to dive deeper into technical discussions and explore opportunities for collaboration.

Professor Camille Petit, Director of Research, Department of Chemical Engineering and co-organiser of the event said, “This new and unique event highlights the breadth of research in the Department and is an opportunity to create a space where conversations can spark future partnerships.”

Industry guests from across the chemicals, energy and pharma sectors attended, offering valuable feedback to presenters and strengthening links between academia and industry.

The day concluded with a networking reception, where attendees reflected on the ideas shared and celebrated the impact of the Department’s research across global challenges.

Sir William Wakeham Award 2025

The event concluded with the announcement of the winners of the annual Sir William Wakeham Awards:

• Giulia Tarantino
• Takeshi Kurotori

Instituted in 2014, the annual Sir William Wakeham Award recognises early career researchers who have made a significant contribution to their research field and have advanced their professional development. 

The award was created to honour Professor Sir William (Bill) Wakeham FREng.

Research showcase 2026

Owing to the success of the Research Showcase we will be returning in 2026 even bigger and better!. Interested in joining us? Reach out on chemeng.comms@imperial.ac.uk to secure your place early.
2025 Full programme.
2025 Departmental brochure.