#United States #Minneapolis #Board of Directors #Chemical Engineering #AIChE

AIChE Celebrates Excellence in Chemical Engineering

The American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) is set to honor an impressive cohort of 16 distinguished leaders and innovators within the chemical engineering field during its 2026 Institute and Board of Directors’ Awards ceremony. This event will take place at the AIChE Annual Meeting, scheduled from November 8 to 12, 2026, in the vibrant city of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The prestigious Institute and Board of Directors’ Awards serve as the highest accolades that AIChE can bestow, celebrating those individuals whose contributions have significantly pushed the boundaries of research, education, and professional practice in chemical engineering, while also serving the wider community.

Among the honorees is Dr. Nicholas Peppas, noted for his impactful work as the Cockrell Family Regents Chair in Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. He will receive the F. J. and Dorothy Van Antwerpen Award for Service to AIChE, generously sponsored by Dow. His receipt of this award underscores a career dedicated to enhancing AIChE’s mission through exemplary service.

In recognition of notable contributions to the field, Dr. Liang-Shih Fan, a Distinguished University Professor and C. John Easton Professor at The Ohio State University, will be presented with the Founders Award for Outstanding Contributions to Chemical Engineering. His remarkable insights and advancements continue to inspire the future generation of chemical engineers.

The Allan P. Colburn Award for Excellence in Publications by a Young Member will be awarded to Dr. Rong Yang from Cornell University, acknowledging his theoretical and practical contributions to the literature in the field. This award, sponsored by DuPont de Nemours, Inc., highlights the importance of publishing rigorous, peer-reviewed research in advancing the discipline.

Dr. Samir Mitragotri, Hiller Professor of Bioengineering at Harvard University, known for his pioneering research in chemical engineering, will receive the Alpha Chi Sigma Award for Chemical Engineering Research, further exemplifying the critical intersection of bioengineering and chemical innovation, with the backing of the Alpha Chi Sigma Educational Foundation.

Another notable recipient, Dr. M. Scott Shell from the University of California, Santa Barbara, will take home the Andreas Acrivos Award for Professional Progress in Chemical Engineering, recognizing his innovative work in the field.

The Industry Leadership Award will go to Dr. Kenneth Hanley, a Senior Vice President at 3M, noting his significant contributions to advancing industrial practices that bridge academia with real-world applications. Meanwhile, Dr. Theresa Whiting from 3M’s Abrasive Systems Division will be honored with the Industrial Progress Award for her critical involvement in product development.

The Industrial Research and Development Award, an honor recognizing significant strides in R&D practices, will be awarded to Dr. Kevin Seibert, Vice President at Eli Lilly and Company, sponsored by AbbVie.

Furthermore, Dr. Ruilan Guo from the University of Notre Dame will earn the Institute Award for Excellence in Industrial Gases Technology, showcasing advancements vital for sustainability in industrial applications sponsored by Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.

Dr. Alon McCormick from the University of Minnesota will be recognized with the Institute Award for Service to Society and the Energy and Sustainability Award, marking his contributions to sustainable practices within the industry.

Additionally, Dr. Richard Flagan of the California Institute of Technology will receive the L.-S. Fan Award for Excellence in Contributions to Chemical Engineering Literature, reflecting the weight of his insights and published research.

AIChE’s commitment to celebrating excellence is further underscored by honors such as the Lawrence B. Evans Award given to Scott J. Herrmann for his practice in chemical engineering. Moreover, Dr. Norma Alcantar receives the Margaret Hutchinson Rousseau Pioneer Award for lifetime achievement, exemplifying incredible dedication as a woman chemical engineer.

Dr. Vemuri Balakotaiah from the University of Houston will be awarded the R. H. Wilhelm Award in Chemical Reaction Engineering, honoring him for his dynamic contributions to chemical reaction engineering with sponsorship from ExxonMobil Research & Engineering Company.

Lastly, the Warren K. Lewis Award for Chemical Engineering Education will be presented to Dr. Doraiswami Ramkrishna from Purdue University, recognizing his dedication to vital educational strategies in a swiftly evolving field.

In addition, Dr. Dionisios Vlachos from the University of Delaware will receive the William H. Walker Award for Excellence in Contributions to Chemical Engineering Literature, emphasizing innovation and literature in energy catalysis.

These awards will not only honor individual accomplishments but also celebrate the collaborative spirit and dedication of leaders in chemical engineering—a fitting reminder of the profession's ongoing impact and evolution. Anne O’Neal, AIChE's 2026 President, stated, “Their accomplishments reflect the imagination and ingenuity that continue to move our profession forward.”

For further details regarding the AIChE awards, you can visit their official website.

AIChE remains at the global forefront of chemical engineering with over 52,000 members. These professionals actively contribute to developing pivotal innovations across diverse sectors by leveraging their extensive expertise in chemical processes for societal benefits.