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The honours celebrate individuals who have made a significant impact on society through their professional leadership, public service and commitment to positive change. Both Alex and Ruth exemplify the values of engineering excellence, leadership and service that IMechE champions.
Ruth Shilston MBE
Ruth Shilston is Global Practice Lead at Mott MacDonald and a Trustee of IMechE. She has been awarded an MBE for her contribution to sustainable engineering.
Throughout her career, Ruth has been a strong advocate for climate-aware design, helping to shape how buildings and cities respond to a changing climate. Her work focuses on embedding sustainability and resilience into engineering practice, while driving technical excellence across global teams.
Ruth said:
“I was thrilled to receive an MBE in the 2026 New Year Honours List. Sustainable building design has always been a key part of my career, so this is an amazing recognition of the work that I do.”
Alexandra Knight MBE
Alex Knight is a Fellow of IMechE and CEO of STEMAZING. She has been recognised for her contribution to engineering, education and inclusion.
Through STEMAZING, Alex has worked tirelessly to champion diversity, equity and opportunity across STEM. Her leadership has inspired engineers, educators and young people, while creating pathways for underrepresented groups to thrive in the profession.
Alex said:
“I am deeply honoured to be recognised with an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours List. This recognition belongs to the remarkable people and communities I work alongside, and it strengthens my determination to keep driving positive, lasting progress through STEMAZING.”
Everyone at IMechE is incredibly proud of Alex and Ruth. Their achievements reflect the power of engineering to improve lives, shape society and create a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Congratulations to both on this well-deserved recognition.
To read more stories celebrating the achievements of our members and the impact of engineering, visit the
IMechE news and insights section.