IChemE members recognised in 2026 New Year Honours

THREE IChemE members have been honoured for their contributions to the chemical engineering profession in the King’s New Year Honours for 2026.

Mercedes Maroto-Valer, deputy principal for global sustainability at Heriot-Watt University, received an OBE for her work in low energy technologies. Luisa Maria Freitas Dos Santos, a senior leader at pharmaceutical giant GSK, and Suzanne Farid, the head of department for UCL's Biochemical Engineering department, were awarded CBEs for their contributions to pharmaceutical and biochemical engineering, respectively.

Last impact

Maroto-Valer, director of both Heriot-Watt’s Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS) and UK Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre (IDRIC), said her OBE “strengthens” her responsibility in developing sustainable energy solutions.

Founded in 2008, she established the RCCS to foster innovation in energy technologies by bringing together scientists and engineers to develop applications across multiple sectors. The centre is currently developing digital twin systems to support emission reductions in manufacturing and maritime shipping.

She said: “This recognition reflects many years of commitment and belief in the transformative power of education, innovation and collaboration for lasting impact.

Farid, director of the UCL–AstraZeneca Centre of Excellence, focuses her research on developing decision-making tools for biotherapeutics manufacturing. She said she hopes her CBE will highlight the “central role” of biochemical engineering within the wider chemical engineering profession.

She added that the award reflects the importance of engineering-led, systems-based approaches in delivering innovative and affordable biotherapeutics manufacturing.

Power of chemical engineering

IChemE welcomed the honours, highlighting the “vital role” engineers play in addressing global challenges.

The New Year Honours celebrate the achievements and services of extraordinary people across the UK. A full list of 2026 recipients is available online.