Monday 29 June 2026

Dr Xinyuan Ke, an expert in sustainable materials technology aimed at decarbonising the construction industry, based at the University of Bath, has been named one of the UK’s Top 50 Women in Engineering by the Women’s Engineering Society.

A senior lecturer in the Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering and member of the Centre for Climate Adaptation & Environment Research (CAER), Dr Xinyuan Ke is recognised for her work in intelligent materials design for low-carbon construction.

Dr Xinyuan Ke.

By combining advanced materials characterisation, thermodynamic modelling and machine learning, she is accelerating the development of sustainable binders such as alkali-activated materials and geopolymers.

'Engineering intelligence can help us design materials functionally smart and sustainable'

Dr Ke said: “I am honoured to be recognised through WES50 alongside so many inspiring women in engineering. My work is driven by the belief that engineering intelligence can help us design materials that are functionally smart and sustainable.

“By combining scientific insight, data-driven tools and close collaboration with industry, we can accelerate the development of low-carbon construction materials and support the transition to a net-zero built environment.”

Also reaching the finals of the Top 50 Women in Engineering was Dr Clare Rees-Zimmerman, a lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering. Her research is also centred on designing more sustainable and responsive materials and using experimental and computational models to test and improve their performance.

Speaking on becoming a finalist, Dr Rees-Zimmerman said: “It's a real honour to be recognised alongside so many inspiring engineers. Joining the University of Bath has been an exciting opportunity, and I am grateful for the warm welcome and support from colleagues.

“My research focuses on developing predictive approaches that help engineers design more sustainable materials, and I am committed to encouraging more women to shape the future of engineering.”

Professor Tim Ibell, dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Design, said: “Congratulations to Xinyuan and Clare on being recognised in this year’s Women in Engineering list. This is a fantastic and well-deserved achievement that reflects not only their technical excellence but also their commitment to making a positive impact through engineering.”