Published:
We are delighted to announce that Professor Raffaella Ocone, from Heriot-Watt University, has been elected as the 84th President of IChemE, the Institute of Chemical Engineering in the UK. Her appointment marks a significant milestone as she becomes only the fourth woman to hold this prestigious position and the first Anglo-Italian president in IChemE's history.
With an impressive background spanning academia and industry, Professor Ocone brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role. She is widely respected for her contributions to chemical engineering and her dedication to advancing the profession.
Expressing her excitement, Professor Ocone said:
"I am deeply honoured to be elected as the next President of IChemE. I am passionate about chemical engineering and its ability to contribute to society through sustainable innovation and collaboration. I look forward to working with members, staff, and trustees over the next three years to continue to advance our profession and address the global challenges we face."
In addition to her role as President-elect for 2025-26, Professor Ocone serves as the Hydrogen theme lead for iNetZ+, a collaborative research institute based at Heriot-Watt University. iNetZ+ focuses on achieving net-zero carbon emissions and innovating for the future beyond, including the development of sustainable hydrogen technologies.
Professor Ocone's expertise in this area is particularly timely, as hydrogen is increasingly recognised as a key component of future energy systems. Her leadership in this field will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of hydrogen technologies and the transition to a low-carbon economy.
As President-elect, Professor Ocone will officially assume her role of Deputy President at the IChemE Annual General Meeting in June of this year. She will serve as President for the 2026-27 term and then as Past President from June 2027.
Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for IChemE, and her vision and leadership will undoubtedly shape the future of chemical engineering in the UK and beyond.
Learn more about Professor Ocone's work with iNetZ+: https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/research/future-makers/scaling-up-hydrogen.htm