Professor Raffaella Ocone recognised in Royal Academy of Engineering’s 50for50 series

A leading Heriot-Watt professor has featured in the Royal Academy of Engineering’s prestigious 50for50 photographic series, celebrating 50 Fellows whose work has helped address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

Professor Raffaella Ocone, Chair of Chemical Engineering at the Institute of GeoEnergy Engineering, was photographed by Jude Vidal, as part of a series highlighting influential engineers from across disciplines.

Professor Ocone was selected in recognition of her internationally renowned research on modelling complex reactive systems, which has led to significant real‑world applications across industry. She is also widely respected for her longstanding commitment to embedding ethics and social responsibility within engineering practice.

A pioneering figure in her field, Professor Ocone has broken new ground throughout her career. She was the first female Professor of Engineering in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Heriot‑Watt University, and the first female Professor of Chemical Engineering in Scotland.

Alongside her research achievements, Professor Ocone has played a leading role in advancing ethical thinking within the engineering profession, including leadership of the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Teaching Ethics Group, where she supported initiatives exploring the ethical dimensions of the green transition and has gone on to encourage student engagement with these critical issues.

Reflecting on her inclusion in the 50for50 series, Professor Ocone said: “I am honoured to be recognised alongside so many inspiring engineers whose work is making a real difference in the world. Engineering has a vital role to play in addressing global challenges, but it is equally important that we approach these challenges with a strong sense of ethical responsibility.

“Throughout my career, I have been passionate not only about advancing research, but also about supporting the next generation of engineers to think critically about the wider impact of their work. This recognition is a reminder of how important it is to combine technical excellence with social awareness.”

Professor Ocone has been a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering since 2013 and is the Immediate Past President of the Institution of Chemical Engineers. In 2019, she was awarded an OBE in recognition of her outstanding services to engineering.

Her inclusion in the 50for50 series highlights both her global impact as a researcher and her continued leadership in shaping the future of engineering.