Three IChemE Fellows recognised in New Year Honours List
9th January 2026
IChemE is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of three of its Fellows, recognised in the New Year Honours List for their exceptional contributions to chemical engineering, science and society. Their Honours highlight the leadership, innovation and public service demonstrated across academia and industry, reflecting the vital role chemical engineers play in addressing global challenges and improving lives.
Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Professor Suzanne Farid CBE, Fellow of IChemE and Professor of Biochemical Engineering at University College London, has been awarded a CBE for services to biochemical engineering, in recognition of her significant contributions to bioprocessing, pharmaceutical manufacturing and engineering education. Professor Farid is internationally recognised for her work in advancing biomanufacturing technologies and for her leadership in strengthening collaboration between academia, industry and healthcare.
Luisa Maria Freitas Dos Santos CBE, Fellow of IChemE and senior leader at GSK, has also been awarded a CBE for services to pharmaceutical engineering. Her career has been marked by sustained impact in pharmaceutical engineering and manufacturing, championing innovation, operational excellence and the development of engineering talent within the life sciences sector.
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Professor Maria Mercedes Maroto-Valer OBE, Fellow of IChemE and Professor at Heriot-Watt University, has been awarded an OBE for services to low energy technologies. A globally respected authority on carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), Professor Maroto-Valer has played a pivotal role in advancing low-carbon technologies and shaping policy and international collaboration in the transition to net zero.
Commenting on the Honours, IChemE CEO Yvonne Baker said: “These awards recognise not only individual excellence but also the profound contribution chemical engineers make to society. We are delighted for Professor Farid, Luisa Dos Santos and Professor Maroto-Valer, whose leadership and impact exemplify the values of IChemE and the power of chemical engineering to improve the world.”
IChemE congratulates all three Fellows on this well-deserved recognition and thanks them for their continued commitment to advancing the profession and delivering positive change through chemical engineering.
What is chemical engineering?
Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, mathematics and economics in the process of turning raw materials into everyday, and more specialist, products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Energy, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the industry sectors and products where chemical engineering plays a central role.
IChemE
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) advances chemical engineering's contribution for the benefit of society. We facilitate the development of chemical engineering professionals and provide connections to a powerful network of around 32,000 members in more than 100 countries.
We support our members in applying their expertise and experience to make an influential contribution to solving major global challenges, and are the only organisation permitted to award Chartered Chemical Engineer status and Professional Process Safety Engineer registration.