Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London

18/08/2026

How does a chance conversation impact science?🤔

Twenty-five years ago, Professors Omar Matar and Richard Craster met at an staff workshop. Realising they were individually working on a complex mathematical equation, they left the workshop to tackle it – and never made their way back. 

That chance encounter grew into a decades-long research partnership, leading to pioneering discoveries and the creation of a spinout company, Quaisr.

Today, Omar Matar is Head of the Department of and soon-to-be Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, while Richard Craster is Dean of Imperial Science – both at Imperial.

After their serendipitous story featured in The Observer UK, in an article entitled ‘The science of serendipity’, we sat down with them to hear how one random meeting changed the course of their careers – and what they really think about the role of serendipity in science.👀 

🎥 Watch below 

🔗 Read The Observer article: https://lnkd.in/esipqitT

13/08/2026

Just letting you know - this is what you have signed up for!!🥳🫶🏻

30/07/2026

Congratulations to Professor João Cabral on receiving the Julia Higgins Award 🥳

This recognition is particularly meaningful given João’s connection to Professor Dame Julia Higgins. In accepting the award, he reflected on being one of her last PhD students, and on the profound impact her mentorship, leadership and encouragement had on his career.

As Professor Omar Matar noted, João’s leadership, mentorship and advocacy have made a lasting impact, helping to create a more inclusive and supportive academic environment across the Imperial community.

A wonderful and well-deserved recognition. Congratulations, João!! 💙

Inclusion

27/07/2026

What does heritage mean to you? 🥰

This South Asian Heritage Month, three members of our Chemical Engineering community share the people, places and traditions that have shaped who they are.

From Bangladesh to India, their stories explore the importance of family, community and belonging, the role of inspiring role models, and how Imperial’s diverse community creates opportunities to learn from one another.

Along the way, they also share some of their favourite South Asian books and films, from The Palace of Illusions and Malgudi Days to Taare Zameen Par, Guerrilla, Hangor Nodi Gr***de and Aynabaji.

Read their stories and discover the cultures, experiences and storytelling that continue to inspire them: https://lnkd.in/dVr_Ddbd

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25/07/2026

🏆 Chemical Engineering recognised at the Royal Society of Chemistry Emerging Technologies Competition.

Congratulations to Brilliant Dyes, winner of the Change Makers Spotlight Award, and to Alphavectors Biotech and e-ReBat, runners-up in the Health and Energy categories.

Read more👇
https://imperial.ac.uk/news/articles/engineering/chemical-engineering/2026/brilliant-dyes-win-at-rsc/

Brilliant Dyes has won the Royal Society of Chemistry's Change Makers Spotlight Award, recognising its innovation in sustainable dye technology.

17/07/2026

We’re incredibly proud to share that Dr Umang Shah has been recognised at Imperial’s inaugural Sustainable Lab Awards! 🥳🏆

Umang received the Communication and Engagement Award for championing sustainable lab practices and embedding sustainability into teaching and research.

Asked what he is most proud of, Umang highlighted that sustainability is now embedded into everyday laboratory practice, helping students see that engineering excellence and environmental responsibility go hand in hand!!

Congratulations, Umang, on this well-deserved achievement 💚

MyGreenLab OurImperial

17/07/2026

We’re incredibly proud to share that Dr Umang Shah has been recognised at Imperial’s inaugural Sustainable Lab Awards! 🥳🏆

Umang received the Communication and Engagement Award for championing sustainable lab practices and embedding sustainability into teaching and research.

Asked what he is most proud of, Umang highlighted that sustainability is now embedded into everyday laboratory practice, helping students see that engineering excellence and environmental responsibility go hand in hand!!

Congratulations, Umang, on this well-deserved achievement 💚

MyGreenLab OurImperial

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16/07/2026

We’re incredibly proud of George Creasey, who has been recognised at the 2026 IChemE Young Engineers Awards for Innovation and Sustainability!! 🥳

George received both the Energy and Climate Action Award and the Overall Postgraduate Award for his PhD research developing photoelectrochemical reactors that use sunlight to produce sustainable hydrogen fuel.

His research is helping advance technologies that could play an important role in the transition to a cleaner, net-zero future.

George Creasey said “I am very grateful to IChemE for these awards and for the opportunity to showcase our work to a global audience alongside so many excellent projects.”

A huge congratulations to George and everyone who contributed to this award-winning research 🥰

Research Innovation Sustainability OurImperial

15/07/2026

A huge congratulations to our Chemical Engineering colleagues recognised at Imperial’s 2026 Staff Recognition Awards 🥳

This year’s award winners include:
1. Prof Jerry Heng
2. Prof Ronny Pini
3. Dr Jesús Bermuda Hermida
4. Dr Umang Shah

Congratulations also to our Garden Party nominees: Geetanjali Bathina, Riki Clarke, Hannah Davy, Lana Lee and Skyla Morrison

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

Congratulations to everyone recognised for their outstanding contributions to our community 💙