Awards of excellence

An array of awards will be presented at the Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner this year, giving delegates a chance to celebrate excellence and recognise the achievements of chemical, process, biochemical engineers and industrial chemists in Australasia. The Award opportunities available are below.

Chemeca Medal

Entries close 3 August 2026.

Awarded by the Australian and New Zealand Federation of Chemical Engineers, the Chemeca Medal is the most prestigious award in the chemical engineering profession in New Zealand and Australia. It is awarded to a prominent New Zealand or Australian chemical engineer who has made an outstanding contribution, through achievement or service, to the practice of chemical engineering in its widest sense and who continues to serve the profession.

The recipient of the award is invited to present a plenary lecture at the annual Chemeca conference.

  • Applicants must be a member of one or more of the following:

    • Engineers Australia

    • Engineering New Zealand

    • Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)

    • Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI)

    • be an Australian or New Zealand resident

    • be a chemical engineer.

  • The nomination form requests the following:

    • Nominee’s current biographical information – to be provided within the nominal form.

    • Nominee’s statement of support (max 200 words) – to be provided within the nomination form.

    • A list of supporting member details (minimum 4-6) – to be provided within the nominal form.

    • Nominee’s current CV (including employment history and achievements).

    • Note: Maximum two pages. A CV/resume gives a complete and lengthy account on the professional background with details.

    • Nominee's portrait photo.

    Please use this nomination form to submit your nomination by 3 August 2026.

  • The award will be presented at the Chemeca and Hazards Australasia Awards of Excellence Gala dinner.

  • Please download this list to see all past winners of the Chemeca Medal.

Chemeca Medal winners

  • An older woman and a younger man standing together, holding awards at a ceremony. The woman has white hair, glasses, and is wearing a black blazer with a necklace. The man has dark hair, a beard, glasses, and is dressed in a light blue shirt with a dark tie. The woman is holding a round medallion plaque, and the man is holding a framed certificate that reads 'Chemeca Medal 2025' awarded to Jennifer Culliford. They are in front of a green and white banner with the logo and text for the Institution of Chemical Engineers.

    Jennifer Culliford, 2025 Chemeca Medallist

  • A man and a woman standing together at an awards ceremony, holding a framed certificate and a wooden plaque with a metal medallion, smiling for the camera in a decorated indoor space with musical instruments and warm lighting.

    David Shallcross, 2024 Chemeca Medallist

  • Two men in suits standing on a stage holding an award plaque and a framed certificate, with black curtains in the background.

    Clive Davies, 2023 Chemeca Medallist

  • A man and woman standing together, holding awards at a ceremony. The man is dressed in a dark suit and tie, with glasses. The woman is wearing a sleeveless red dress and a necklace. They are smiling and appear proud. The man holds a framed certificate, and the woman holds a wooden plaque with a metal medallion attached.

    Andrea Hosey, 2022 Chemeca Medallist

ANZFChE Awards of Excellence

Entries close 3 August 2026.

Student Experience and Development Award

Open to academics or people who have contributed in the academic environment to recognise individuals who have excelled in enhancing student experiences and academic development. Entries should demonstrate:

  • how an individual has initiated an innovative program/s or activities that enhance the overall student experience

  • effective leadership within the student community

  • positive advocacy for student needs and well-being and fostered a sense of inclusivity and collaboration.

Training and Development Award

Recognises the individual in industry that best demonstrates excellence in training and development of staff or education of a wider community. Entries should demonstrate:

  • how a skills/knowledge gap has been addressed

  • how a training programme has had a positive impact on business performance and/or

  • how public perception of chemical engineering has been improved by the initiative.

  • Applicants must be a member of one or more of the following:

    • Engineers Australia

    • Engineering New Zealand

    • Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)

    • Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI)

    Applicants must be an Australian or New Zealand resident.

    • Please use this entry form to submit your entry.

    • Maximum of 600 words.

    • Entries should outline how their entry contributed to chemical engineering excellence ensuring there is evidence of application. Commentary around sustainability and environmental and ethical impact will enhance the application.

    • Not essential - If you want to provide supplementary evidence, please send to chemeca@icheme.org.

  • The award will be presented at the Chemeca and Hazards Australasia Awards of Excellence Gala dinner.

Royal Australian Chemical Institute: RK Murphy Medal

Entries close 30 June 2026.

The R.K. Murphy Medal is the most prestigious honour awarded by the Industrial Chemistry Division of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.  The award consists of a medal and an official citation.  The award is typically presented to the winner at the Awards of Excellence dinner held as part of the Chemeca conference each year.

  • The R.K. Murphy Medal will be awarded to a member of the Institute for their outstanding achievement in process chemistry, chemical engineering or related areas in the chemical industry (including commercial or marketing functions).

  • Nomination form requests the following:

    • Candidates may apply personally or be nominated by other members of the Institute. If a candidate is nominating themselves, then their nomination must be seconded by another RACI member. Candidates must be members of good standing in the Institute and no person would normally be eligible to receive the award on more than one occasion.

    • The applications will be reviewed, and the successful candidate selected by a panel appointed by the Standing Committee of the Industrial Chemistry Division. The Division reserves the right to not award the R.K. Murphy Medal if no suitable nominations are received.

    • Applications must be received by 30 June each year.

    • Please complete your nomination form here* and submit along with supporting documentation.

    • If you require assistance, please contact the RACI awards team at awards@raci.org.au.

    • *IChemE will not be storing or controlling any data linked to this nomination form.

  • The award will be presented at the Chemeca and Hazards Australasia Awards of Excellence Gala dinner.