From research to real-world impact with Centenary Enterprise Award

Imperial researcher awarded the Centenary Enterprise Award for 2024/25 by the City & Guilds College Association (CGCA).

John Siwek, Department of Chemical Engineering, was recognised for research that focuses on developing and studying scaling rules for photochemical reactors, with the aim of improving reactor efficiency and unlocking the potential of photochemistry for chemical manufacturing.

Alongside research, John is passionate about engaging the public with chemical engineering through a continuous popcorn machine his team developed, helping people appreciate the field’s contribution to modern life, its ability to operate at scale, and its importance in tackling the challenges ahead.

The Centenary Enterprise Award recognises outstanding postgraduate researchers whose work demonstrates exceptional enterprise, innovation and potential for real-world impact. The award celebrates individuals who embody the entrepreneurial spirit of Imperial and whose work shows promise beyond the laboratory.

This recognition reflects the support and encouragement I have received from colleagues and mentors within the Department of Chemical Engineering and the wider Imperial community. John Siwek Researcher at Imperial

“I am delighted to receive the Centenary Enterprise Award. This recognition reflects the support and encouragement I have received from colleagues and mentors within the Department of Chemical Engineering and the wider Imperial community, and I’m especially pleased with the recognition of the tremendous team effort and creative engineering that allowed us to engage the public in a unique way, showing what chemical engineering can do.”

The Centenary Enterprise Award is one of several prestigious prizes presented annually by the CGCA and the Old Centralians’ Trust, highlighting the strength of postgraduate research across Imperial College London.

John’s achievement represents a proud moment for the Department of Chemical Engineering and reinforces Imperial’s reputation for nurturing talented researchers with the skills and vision to deliver meaningful impact beyond academia.