Imperial researcher recognised in Women of the Future ESG Awards

Dr Xiaochu Wei, Faraday Institution Entrepreneurial Fellow in the Department of Chemical Engineering, has been named one of the Women of the Future 50 Rising Stars in the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Awards 2026.

The Women of the Future 50 Rising Stars in ESG initiative celebrates emerging leaders who are driving positive environmental, social and governance (ESG) impact through innovation, leadership and action. Dr Wei was recognised in the Planet (Environmental) category for her work advancing sustainable critical-mineral recovery technologies and supporting the development of circular battery supply chains. 

Advancing sustainable critical-mineral recovery 

Dr Wei's research focuses on developing electricity-driven electrochemical technologies that enable cleaner and more sustainable recovery and refining of critical minerals used in batteries and clean-energy technologies. 

As demand for low-carbon technologies continues to grow, securing sustainable supplies of critical minerals has become an increasingly important challenge. Dr Wei's work aims to address this challenge by creating new processes that reduce environmental impacts while supporting the development of circular, low-carbon battery supply chains. 

There is still a long way to go, and I'm grateful to Women of the Future and Imperial for their support. Dr Xiaochu Wei Imperial researcher

Alongside her research, Dr Wei has worked to translate scientific innovation into real-world applications, taking patented technologies from fundamental research towards commercialisation. 

Dr Wei said: "I'm honoured to be named one of the Women of the Future 50 Rising Stars in ESG 2026. This recognition encourages me to keep advancing cleaner technologies for critical-mineral recovery and turning research into practical impact. There is still a long way to go, and I'm grateful to Women of the Future and Imperial for their support." 

From scientific discovery to commercial impact 

Described as an emerging deep-tech entrepreneurial leader, Dr Wei's career spans scientific invention, industrial delivery and venture building. 

Her work combines scientific research with practical innovation, focusing on technologies that can help address both the growing demand for critical minerals and the environmental challenges associated with end-of-life batteries. By developing electrochemical recycling technologies, she aims to support more sustainable resource use while contributing to net-zero ambitions. 

I am delighted to see Dr Xiaochu Wei recognised among the Women of the Future 50 Rising Stars in ESG 2026. Professor Jason Hallett Head of the Department

Reflecting on the importance of ESG, Dr Wei said: "To me, ESG means using science and innovation to create lasting value for society as well as the economy. I have always been committed to translating scientific research into technologies that deliver real-world impact. As the transition to clean energy accelerates, it is not enough to develop new technologies. We must also ensure that the critical minerals underpinning this transition are sourced, recovered and refined sustainably." 

She added that the journey of translating fundamental research into a commercial technology had reinforced her belief that scientific success should be measured not only by research excellence, but also by the positive impact it delivers for people, industry and the planet.