29 Apr 2024
Dr Binjian Nie awarded the IChemE Nicklin Medal for excellence in chemical engineering
Engineering Lecturer received the early career award for pioneering impact in the field of thermal batteries for green chemical process engineering and sustainable chemical and fuel production
The IChemE Nicklin Medal has been awarded to Departmental Lecturer Dr Binjian Nie for excellence in research and pioneering impact in the field of thermal batteries for green chemical process engineering and sustainable chemical and fuel production.
The Nicklin Medal is an early careers award and was introduced in 2014 to recognise talented chemical engineering researchers.
Dr Nie has been leading the Energy Storage and Energy Carriers group, working on energy conversion and management using thermal, chemical, and thermochemical energy storage methodologies which can match energy supply and demand, exploit variable renewable (solar and wind) energy sources, produce carbon-neutral and sustainable chemicals and fuels, increase the overall efficiency of the energy system, and reduce carbon-dioxide emissions.
Dr Nie says, “I am honoured to receive the Nicklin Medal and very grateful to IChemE for this recognition. I am very thankful to group members, collaborators, mentors and colleagues for their key contributions to my young group!”
Dr Nie’s multidisciplinary research in the areas of thermal batteries and chemical process engineering has already made significant contributions to the Net-Zero transition, as well as supporting universal energy access, and poverty eradication with a focus on decarbonisation, sustainability and energy justice. Dr Nie was highly commended for the Nicklin Medal in 2022 for clean energy research.
Professor Mark Simmons FIChemE, Chair of the IChemE Medals and Prizes Committee, said: “Chemical engineers are constantly creating important new frontiers through their collective pursuit of knowledge, innovation, and positive impact, and this was evident in the impressive breadth and scope of the nominations.”
Nigel Hirst, IChemE President, added: “I am proud to commend these extraordinary contributions made by the chemical engineering community. The IChemE medals and prizes honour and celebrate those who are helping to shape the world with ground-breaking work, exceptional expertise, and dedicated progress towards addressing our global challenges.”
The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) advances chemical engineering's contribution for the benefit of society. It facilitates the development of chemical engineering professionals and provide connections to a powerful network of around 30,000 members in more than 100 countries.
