Dr Florence Gschwend received the IChemE Young Researcher Award at a ceremony in Hull.

Each year the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) celebrate the best in chemical, process and biochemical engineering with their Global Awards.

Dr Florence Gscwend, co-founder and CEO of Imperial spin-out company Chrysalix Technologies, was awarded this year’s Young Researcher Award which recognises “the individual who best demonstrates the impact of their research in helping to address important economic, environmental or social issues”.

Chrysalix Technologies has commercialised the BioFlex Process which enables unwanted waste wood to be used for the production of renewable chemicals, materials and fuels.  

Dr Gschwend and the company have been previously recognised with awards including the Forbes 30 Under 30 Awards and Royal Academy of Engineering Enterprise Fellowship.

IChemE President Ken Rivers said: “Our profession has always shown incredible passion. Today, chemical engineers are constantly striving for better products, improved processes, and more environmentally friendly solutions.

“The Global Awards has always managed to distil the best of chemical engineering into one glorious evening.

“Congratulations to all the winners.”

Watch Dr Gschwend talking about her work and Chrysalix Technologies in the video below, or visit the company's website.