Chemical Engineering celebrates four wins at Imperial's annual staff awards

Winners of the 2026 Staff Recognition Awards were announced at a ceremony on 8 July. The Department of Chemical Engineering celebrated four award wins, with two President's Medals and two President's Awards, alongside several Garden Party nominations.

Professor Jerry Heng
President's Medal for Excellence in Education: Teaching

It has been a privilege to work with talented colleagues and motivated students, whose enthusiasm and commitment make teaching so rewarding. Professor Jerry Heng Director of Undergraduate Studies

As Professor in Particle Technology and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Chemical Engineering, Jerry is recognised for his outstanding dedication to teaching excellence and student learning. Through his leadership of the undergraduate programme, engaging teaching approach, and commitment to continually enhancing the student experience, he has helped shape a world-class education for aspiring chemical engineers at Imperial.

Professor Heng said: "I am truly honoured to receive this award. While it recognises an individual, it reflects the dedication of the entire Department of Chemical Engineering community to delivering an exceptional educational experience. It has been a privilege to work with talented colleagues and motivated students, whose enthusiasm and commitment make teaching so rewarding."

Professor Ronny Pini
President's Medal for Excellence in Research Environment: Individual

Building an inclusive, collaborative, and sustainable research environment has always been important to me. Professor Ronny Pini Academic, Department of Chemical Engineering

Ronny Pini is Professor of Multiphase Systems. His research team investigates chemical processes that incorporate porous solids and designs them for a range of applications, including molecular gas separations, subsurface gas storage and carbon capture. 

Professor Pini said: “It is a great honour to receive this medal. Building an inclusive, collaborative, and sustainable research environment has always been important to me. I have been fortunate throughout my academic career to benefit from outstanding mentors who championed these values and demonstrated the profound impact that a supportive research culture can have on people and ideas. I am also privileged to work alongside colleagues whose commitment to supporting one another makes our Department a rewarding place to conduct research. I would like to extend a special thank you to my research team – their enthusiasm inspire me every day, and this recognition is as much theirs as it is mine.“

Dr Jesus Bermuda Hermida
President’s Award for Excellence in Research: Outstanding Early Career Researcher

I believe this award also reflects the highly supporting and stimulating research environment within the Department of Chemical Engineering. Dr Jesus Bermuda Hermida Researcher, Department of Chemical Engineering

Jesus Bermuda Hermida's research focuses on the molecular design of catalyst materials for electrochemical energy conversion technologies, including hydrogen fuel cells or carbon dioxide conversion, spanning from fundamental aspects of materials synthesis (carbon-based materials, covalent organic polymers or metal-organic frameworks) to the engineering of industrially relevant devices. Beyond research, he is committed to teaching and mentoring the next generation of scientists, highlighting the crucial role that energy materials play in society and how they will shape future technologies.

Dr Hermida said: "I am very honoured to receive the President's Award and deeply grateful to my former mentors and supervisors, who have been instrumental in my career development and in shaping my research vision. I believe this award also reflects the highly supporting and stimulating research environment within the Department of Chemical Engineering, where I have had the opportunity to establish a research group and foster interdisciplinary collaborations with colleagues working across different fields of materials science." 

Dr Umang Shah
President's Award for Excellence in Education: Teaching Innovation

I have been fortunate to work alongside exceptional colleagues and enthusiastic students whose feedback, curiosity, and collaboration have shaped my approach to education. Dr Umang Shah Principal Teaching Fellow

Dr Umang Shah is a Principal Teaching Fellow in the Department of Chemical Engineering. He was recognised for implementing a sustainable education framework, and for developing innovative, student-centred approaches that enhance learning through interactive teaching, digital tools, and real-world applications. His work has helped create an engaging and inclusive learning environment while equipping students with the practical skills needed for modern engineering practice.

Dr Shah said: "It is a tremendous honour to receive this award. Innovation in teaching is about continually finding better ways to engage, inspire, and empower our students. I have been fortunate to work alongside exceptional colleagues and enthusiastic students whose feedback, curiosity, and collaboration have shaped my approach to education. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of everyone who has contributed to creating a dynamic and supportive learning environment, and I am grateful to be part of such a committed academic community."

Their achievements reflect the collaborative, innovative and supportive culture we are proud to foster in Chemical Engineering. Professor Omar Matar Head of Department, Chemical Engineering

On the significance of this recognition, Professor Omar Matar, Head of Department, said: "These awards are a wonderful recognition of the exceptional people who make both our department and Imperial such a vibrant place to work, teach and carry out world-leading research. I am delighted to see colleagues recognised across research, education, and professional services, and congratulate all our award winners and nominees. Their achievements reflect the collaborative, innovative and supportive culture we are proud to foster in Chemical Engineering."

Imperial Garden Party nominees

The following colleagues were nominated for an Imperial Garden Party nomination, recognised for their individual contributions to the department:

• Geetanjali Bathina
• Riki Clarke
• Hannah Davy
• Lana Lee
• Skyla Morrison