51³Ô¹ÏÍø

Professor Omar Matar, Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering, has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø.

The honour, one of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's highest internal distinctions, is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional and sustained contributions to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø and its community.

Professor Matar was presented the medal at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Graduation Ceremony hosted at the Royal Albert Hall on 2 June 2026.

The award recognises Professor Matar’s leadership of the Department of Chemical Engineering and his longstanding commitment to advancing excellence in research, education and service across the university. Throughout his career, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's academic community, supporting colleagues and students, and championing innovation, sustainability and collaboration.

Learners have benefitted from his meaningful contributions to student experience and teaching excellence, while colleagues celebrate his research achievements. Professor Alan Spivey Vice-Provost (Education and Student Experience)

Announcing the award, Professor Alan Spivey, Vice-Provost (Education and Student Experience) said: "Professor Omar Matar's incredible list of accomplishments include pioneering the use of virtual reality in teaching, co-founding companies, leading major program grants and securing industrial contracts. Learners have benefitted from meaningful contributions to student experience and teaching excellence, while colleagues celebrate his research achievements."

Professor Spivey praised Professor Matar’s exceptional contribution to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, describing him as a highly deserving recipient whose impact on the university over the past 30 years has been significant.

Professor Matar said: "I am deeply honoured to receive the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø College Medal. 51³Ô¹ÏÍø has been my academic home for many years, and any achievements recognised through this award have been made possible by the extraordinary colleagues, students and collaborators I have had the privilege to work alongside. I am grateful for their support and friendship."

Professor Omar Matar 

Professor Omar Matar is currently Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, where he holds a Chair in Fluid Mechanics. He will take on the prestigious position of Dean of the Faculty of Engineering from 1 October 2026. 

51³Ô¹ÏÍø has been my academic home for many years, and any achievements recognised through this award have been made possible by the extraordinary colleagues, students and collaborators I have had the privilege to work alongside. Professor Omar Matar Head of Department, Chemical Engineering

He assumed the role of Head of Department in 2021, bringing extensive leadership experience and an internationally recognised research profile in interfacial fluid dynamics, with applications in energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and environmental sustainability.  

He provides strategic leadership to strengthen research excellence, foster an inclusive culture, and enhance its global reputation. He previously served as Vice-Dean (Education) for the Faculty of Engineering (2017–2021) and Director of Research (2016–2021). 

Professor Matar leads the Matar Fluids Group, which focuses on multiphase flows, computational fluid dynamics, and emerging technologies including machine learning and immersive tools. He was co-founding CEO of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø-Turing spin-off Quaisr in 2020 and also co-founded 2D Nano in 2023. 

He is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Institution of Chemical Engineers, and the American Physical Society, and holds the RAEng Chair in Multiphase Fluid Dynamics.