Matthew Keith | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

University of Birmingham | United Kingdom

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Matthew Keith began his academic journey with a strong foundation in Chemical Engineering, completing an integrated master’s degree (MEng) with honours. His academic excellence during these formative years was demonstrated by outstanding performance at both secondary and tertiary levels. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for his subsequent doctoral research, where he explored the chemical recycling of carbon fibre reinforced polymers. His PhD work involved the commissioning and operation of bench-scale processes, advanced reaction system modelling, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams skills that would prove central to his later industrial and academic roles.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Keith has a unique career trajectory that bridges both academia and industry. Following the completion of his doctoral studies, he transitioned into a series of impactful roles at a leading FTSE 100 chemical company. Initially working as an Applications Engineer and later as a Process Development Chemist, he led and executed experimental programmes to develop new catalyst technologies, supported their integration into manufacturing processes, and coordinated cross-functional teams to solve complex production issues. In addition to his scientific and technical responsibilities, he demonstrated a flair for training and mentorship, developing educational resources and running tutorials that improved the analytical capabilities of colleagues. His professional roles not only honed his practical expertise but also cemented his reputation as a capable communicator and strategic thinker within high-stakes industrial environments.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Keith’s research is guided by two overarching themes: sustainable chemical processes and chemical engineering education. Within the sustainability domain, his research addresses the chemical recycling of polymers and the development of clean fuels. He currently supervises doctoral research projects in areas such as bioplastics recycling, advanced solvent-based recovery of carbon fibre composites, and the production of sustainable aviation fuels from microalgae. As the academic lead on Innovate UK-funded projects, he collaborates with Deeptech Recycling to scale up chemical recycling processes for plastic waste. These projects are carried out in partnership with major research institutions, including the National Composites Centre (UK) and DLR (Germany), showcasing his capacity to foster impactful academic-industry partnerships.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Keith’s work has had a meaningful impact across multiple domains. In research, his studies on catalytic degradation and supercritical solvent-based recycling have advanced understanding in the field of composite material recovery. His publications in Polymer Degradation and Stability and leading materials science conferences are widely referenced in the sustainability and recycling research community. In industry, he has played a pivotal role in improving product quality, process reliability, and raw material assessment through his work at Johnson Matthey. His ability to apply scientific methods to real-world industrial problems has delivered tangible benefits in manufacturing efficiency and product innovation.

Academic Contributions and Citations

Dr. Keith’s scholarly output includes peer-reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings, and forthcoming book chapters. His publications cover various aspects of composite recycling, including kinetic analysis, catalyst optimisation, and process modelling. Notably, he has authored a chapter in a forthcoming edited volume on recycled carbon fibre, reflecting the maturity and impact of his research contributions. His collaborative efforts are also evidenced in co-authored works with established academics, and his presence at high-profile international conferences has helped disseminate his findings to global audiences. His publication record reflects a commitment to both fundamental and applied research, bridging laboratory experimentation with scalable industrial processes.

Technical Skills and Methodological Expertise

Dr. Keith brings a deep reservoir of technical expertise in experimental design, process modelling, and analytical chemistry. He has worked extensively with nano-coating technologies, supercritical fluid processes, and heterogeneous catalysis. His proficiency in using techniques such as linear sweep voltammetry, life cycle analysis (LCA), and hazard evaluation (HAZOP) methodologies demonstrates both breadth and depth in chemical engineering. His skills extend to data interpretation and scientific communication, with a strong command of visualisation tools and statistical analysis methods. These technical proficiencies are complemented by a robust understanding of laboratory management and quality control systems, including ISO 9001 standards.

Teaching Experience and Academic Leadership

Dr. Keith has contributed significantly to higher education through his extensive teaching portfolio. His responsibilities have included lecturing core chemical engineering modules, designing and delivering laboratory experiments, and coordinating postgraduate demonstrators to support undergraduate learning. He has shown leadership in refining assessment practices, ensuring timely and constructive feedback for large student cohorts. His efforts have directly supported curriculum modernisation, particularly through the development of teaching materials aligned with new lab infrastructure investments.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Keith is committed to expanding his research in sustainable materials recovery and chemical engineering pedagogy. His future work aims to quantify the environmental impact of rare earth element recycling through comprehensive life cycle analysis. He is also focused on characterising the quality and reuse potential of recovered materials, and on evaluating the recyclability of alternatives to critical elements like lithium and cobalt. His educational ambitions include the integration of AI literacy and climate-focused content into engineering curricula, with the aim of producing graduates who are both technically capable and socially responsible. As a research supervisor, educator, and collaborator, he is well-positioned to influence the next generation of engineers and researchers.

Notable Publications

• Harnessing generative AI in chemical engineering education: Implementation and evaluation of the large language model ChatGPT v3.5
  Authors: Keith, M., Keiller, E., Windows-Yule, C., Kings, I., Robbins, P.
  Journal: Education for Chemical Engineers
  Year: 2025

• Solvent-Based Recycling as a Waste Management Strategy for Fibre-Reinforced Polymers: Current State of the Art
  Authors: Matthew J. Keith, Bushra Al-Duri, Tom O. McDonald, Gary A. Leeke
  Journal: Polymers
  Year: 2025

• Carbon Recycling of High Value Bioplastics: A Route to a Zero-Waste Future
  Authors: Matthew Keith, Martin Koller, Maximilian Lackner
  Journal: Polymers
  Year: 2024

• Recovery of chemical recyclates from fibre-reinforced composites: A review of progress
  Authors: C. Branfoot, H. Folkvord, M. Keith, G.A. Leeke
  Journal: Polymer Degradation and Stability
  Year: 2023

• Catalytic degradation of a carbon fibre reinforced polymer for recycling applications
  Authors: Matthew J. Keith, Gary A. Leeke, Palvisha Khan, Andrew Ingram
  Journal: Polymer Degradation and Stability
  Year: 2019

Conclusion

Dr. Matthew Keith exemplifies the profile of a modern chemical engineering academic one who blends industrial experience with academic rigour, research innovation with pedagogical impact, and sustainability with inclusivity. His work across materials recycling, clean energy, and educational reform is driven by a clear commitment to addressing global challenges through chemical engineering. With a trajectory that spans laboratory research, industrial application, and educational leadership, he continues to shape both the future of chemical engineering and the engineers of the future.