Shott is founder and CEO of pharmaceutical services company, Excelsyn and has held a range of senior executive positions in the international pharmaceutical and fine chemicals industries for over 20 years. He is also Chairman of both the Centre for Excellence for Life Sciences (CELS) and the Industrial Biotechnology Innovation & Growth Team. He became IChemE President in May 2009 having previously served as the Institution’s Deputy President and Technical Vice-President.
Shott was one of four chemical engineering names recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours list this weekend: Professor Bill Wakeham, Vice-Chancellor of Southampton University was awarded a Knighthood for services to chemical engineering and higher education. Professor Lynn Gladden, head of chemical engineering and biotechnology at Cambridge University was awarded a CBE for services to chemical engineering. And, Professor Robert Burch, former head of chemistry and chemical engineering at Queens College, Belfast was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for services to Chemistry.
Shott says he’s delighted by the award: “It’s a great surprise and while I am personally honoured by the recognition, it’s also good news for the wider profession and I extend my congratulations to the other chemical engineers who have been recognised.
“I think this is also evidence of a pendulum swing towards a greater recognition of the success and importance of the science, engineering and manufacturing industries and their importance to the UK economy,” adds Shott.
Gladden says the quartet of chemical engineering honours is a boost for the sector: “This is really good news for chemical engineers and chemical engineering. I fully recognise that I would not be receiving this award were it not for the entire staff of my department – past and present – and, in particular, the support of my research group.
“ I see these awards as being, at least in part, recognition of the ‘space’ within which the recipient works and I hope and expect that my award will add to the spirit of excitement and enthusiasm for the future that exists in our chemical engineering and biotechnology department”
IChemE Chief Executive, David Brown congratulated the recipients on their achievements: “It’s encouraging to see chemical engineering recognised in this way and these distinguished individuals recognised.”
About chemical engineers
Chemical, biochemical and process engineering is the application of science, maths and economics to the process of turning raw materials into everyday products. Professional chemical engineers design, construct and manage process operations all over the world. Pharmaceuticals, food and drink, synthetic fibres and clean drinking water are just some of the products where chemical engineering plays a central role.
About IChemE
IChemE (Institution of Chemical Engineers) is the hub for chemical, biochemical and process engineering professionals worldwide. With a growing global membership of some 30,000, the Institution is at the heart of the process community, promoting competence and a commitment to best practice, advancing the discipline for the benefit of society, encouraging young people in science and engineering and supporting the professional development of its members. For more information, visit www.icheme.org
