Imperial Researcher Honoured in Women of the Future ESG Awards
Dr Xiaochu Wei recognised for pioneering sustainable critical-mineral recovery technologies.
By Priya Shah
••3 min read
AI
Generic image of a researcher's hands holding a glowing vial in a laboratory setting.
Dr Xiaochu Wei, an Imperial College London researcher, has been recognised as one of the Women of the Future 50 Rising Stars in ESG Awards 2026 for her advancements in sustainable critical-mineral recovery.
Dr Xiaochu Wei, a Faraday Institution Entrepreneurial Fellow in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London, has been named one of the Women of the Future 50 Rising Stars in the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Awards 2026. The initiative celebrates emerging leaders driving positive ESG impact through innovation and action.
Dr Wei was recognised in the Planet (Environmental) category for her work on advancing sustainable critical-mineral recovery technologies and supporting the development of circular battery supply chains. Her research focuses on developing electricity-driven electrochemical technologies for cleaner and more sustainable recovery and refining of critical minerals essential for batteries and clean-energy technologies.
Addressing the growing demand for low-carbon technologies, Dr Wei's work aims to reduce environmental impacts by creating new processes for sustainable resource use and supporting circular, low-carbon battery supply chains. She has also focused on translating patented technologies from research towards commercialisation.
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"I'm honoured to be named one of the Women of the Future 50 Rising Stars in ESG 2026. This recognition encourages me to keep advancing cleaner technologies for critical-mineral recovery and turning research into practical impact. There is still a long way to go, and I'm grateful to Women of the Future and Imperial for their support."
Described as an emerging deep-tech entrepreneurial leader, Dr Wei's career integrates scientific discovery with practical innovation. Her focus on electrochemical recycling technologies aims to support sustainable resource use and contribute to net-zero ambitions, addressing both mineral demand and environmental challenges from end-of-life batteries.
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"To me, ESG means using science and innovation to create lasting value for society as well as the economy. I have always been committed to translating scientific research into technologies that deliver real-world impact. As the transition to clean energy accelerates, it is not enough to develop new technologies. We must also ensure that the critical minerals underpinning this transition are sourced, recovered and refined sustainably."
Dr Wei added that her journey from fundamental research to commercial technology has reinforced her belief that scientific success is measured by research excellence and positive impact for people, industry, and the planet. Her inclusion in the awards highlights the contribution of early-career researchers and entrepreneurs in developing solutions for a sustainable future.
