Loughborough student wins Food SIG prize

JACK RAMSEY, a chemical engineering student at Loughborough University, UK, has won the IChemE Food and Drink SIG’s undergraduate project prize for his work on brewing beer.

Ramsey carried out his research as a visiting student at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. He discovered that pasteurising yeast conventionally using heat adversely affected the taste of the beer, and instead combined high pressure and ultrasound to speed up processing time and improve the beer’s flavour. Ramsey received his award, and a £200 (US$289) cash prize, which is sponsored by PM Group, at a dinner at the Ramada Loughborough Hotel.

Food and Drink SIG chair Rachel Cooke said that the undergraduate project prize was designed to raise awareness of chemical engineering within the food and drink industry, and that judges had been “particularly impressed” with the quality of Ramsey’s project.

“Carrying out a research project in an area I am so passionate about was a fantastic experience and has definitely fuelled my ambition to seek a career in food and drink when I graduate,” said Ramsey.

Applications for the 2016 prize are now open. Visit http://bit.ly/24WIFZc for more information.