Ulster University geotechnical PhD researcher wins ICE Northern Ireland Princess Royal Award for Emerging Engineers
A PhD researcher from Ulster University’s Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment (BSABE) has secured one of Northern Ireland’s most respected honours for early-career civil engineers.
Rachel Woodward, from Coagh, has won the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Northern Ireland Princess Royal Award for Emerging Engineers 2026, becoming the first geotechnical engineering PhD researcher from Ulster University to receive the accolade since 2004.
She was recognised for her technical paper and presentation on “Calcined waste clays as low-carbon supplementary cementitious material for decarbonising soil stabilisation” – pioneering research that explores innovative low-carbon cement solutions for the construction sector.
The award celebrates outstanding emerging engineers who demonstrate technical excellence, innovation and leadership within the profession. Rachel’s success also sees her name engraved on ICE Northern Ireland’s prestigious Brennan Cup, which she will formally receive at the ICE Northern Ireland Annual Dinner in December. The winners selected at regional level will be further shortlisted to three finalists who will present their papers again at The Princess Royal Award for Emerging Engineers International Final in Autumn 2026.
Professor Colin Turner, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean of BSABE at Ulster University, said: “This success highlights the world-class research culture within BSABE and Ulster University’s growing impact in shaping the future of sustainable construction. Rachel’s work demonstrates how research excellence can directly address global challenges, particularly in the transition to low-carbon engineering solutions.”
Rachel’s award-winning research focuses on decarbonising construction materials and advancing more sustainable approaches to soil stabilisation – a critical area in reducing carbon emissions across the built environment.
Her success further strengthens Ulster University’s reputation for delivering impactful research and supporting the next generation of engineering leaders.
She said: "Being recognised as the ICE Northern Ireland Emerging Engineer for 2026 is a proud achievement. It has strengthened my personal commitment and ambition to produce meaningful and necessary engineering solutions for what is essentially a global challenge within the construction and cement manufacturing industries.
"This research highlights the value of rethinking materials which were once considered waste and transforming them into low-carbon cementitious materials, contributing to resilient and future-ready infrastructure. I'm grateful for the unwavering support from both academic and industrial colleagues and I look forward to progressing with my PhD journey at Ulster University, eventually aiming to achieve my Chartered qualification through the ICE."