Eight Chemical Engineering students from Queen Mary University of London attend the 2026 Young Engineers Awards for Innovation and Sustainability (YEAIS), hosted by the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

The annual awards celebrate innovation, creativity and sustainability in chemical engineering, bringing together undergraduate finalists, graduate engineers, industry professionals and employers from across the UK. This year's event showcased projects addressing some of the sector's most pressing challenges, from digitalisation and artificial intelligence to energy, climate action and sustainable manufacturing.

Among the Queen Mary attendees were students whose project was shortlisted in the Energy and Climate Action category. The event provided an opportunity to present their work, engage with fellow students and professionals, and gain valuable insights into the future of the profession.

Reflecting on the experience, one student said:

"It was a great opportunity to meet fellow undergraduates, graduate engineers and industry experts, and to hear new ideas and perspectives related to a more sustainable future. One of the biggest takeaways was speaking with graduate engineers about entering the workplace and how sustainability is being increasingly embedded across a wide range of roles. It was inspiring to see how graduate careers are evolving alongside the industry's sustainability goals."

In addition to celebrating the achievements of this year's finalists, the event enabled students to expand their professional networks, learn about emerging trends in sustainable engineering and explore future career opportunities within the chemical engineering sector.

Providing opportunities for students to participate in national events such as YEAIS reflects Queen Mary's commitment to enhancing the student experience through opportunities that connect academic learning with professional practice. By engaging with leading engineers, employers and peers from across the UK, students gain valuable experience, broaden their perspectives and strengthen the skills and networks that will support their future careers.

Congratulations to all of the Queen Mary students who took part in this year's awards and represented the university at this prestigious national event.