Department appoints new Professor

The department has appointed Professor Joan Cordiner as Director of External Engagement and Professor of Process Engineering.

Professor Joan Cordiner
Professor Joan Cordiner

Professor Cordiner joins the department after an illustrious career at leading agricultural technology giant Syngenta, the leading science-based agtech company helping millions of farmers around the world to grow safe and nutritious food, Professor Cordiner held a number of global and senior management positions within the company. 

She has vast experience in leadership, teaching and mentoring engineering staff, formulation engineering, health and safety, and building and managing major partnerships between Syngenta and some of the world’s top universities. Professor Cordiner led change in design practices at Syngenta and in the agro chemicals industry, particularly through advanced modelling techniques of molecules, mixtures, formulated products and manufacturing processes.

Her career also includes previous Chairman of CAPEC Advisory Group (DTU Denmark), Chairman of FSSG IChemE, Director Britest and Industry Representative for the UK Distillation and Absorption ECHMA.  

She is also a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, a Fellow of IChemE, a Chartered Engineer and a Senior member of AICHE.

Head of Department Professor Jim Litster said:

I’m thrilled to announce the appointment of Joan Cordiner to the department. Joan brings a unique perspective through her experience in senior leadership roles in the agricultural sector.  She will play a key role in building our partnerships and engagement with industry and with key professional organisastions within the Royal Academy of Engineering."

Professor Jim Litser

Head of Department for Chemical and Biological Engineering

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