Outstanding Contribution Winner 2022
Sponsored by: Sterling Pharma Solutions
The Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by Sembcorp UK, is aimed at recognising an individual, at any level in industry, who has not only made a hugely significant contribution to the process sector but has been an inspiration to the people within it – and displayed with a level of dedication that goes above and beyond the call of duty.
Winner: Joanne Rout, Sales Account Manager, Industrial Technology Systems
Beneficiary: All Saints School
Joanne’s drive to improve the lives of those around her is inspiring, but it is her humbleness that is a true reflection of who she is as a person.
Being one of the first four women to study at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge University is an achievement in itself and a testament to the journey that she would begin.
Joanne began her career at ICI, as a Senior Research Scientist in Process Technology, specialising in solving crystallisation problems in the manufacture of new and current products and progressed to become
Research Team Leader at ICI Chemicals and Polymers. Soon after this, Joanne relocated to the North East for a commercial role at Johnson Matthey.
Thinking of others is always at the forefront of Joanne’s mind and in every position she held, Joanne had a focus on impacting young people and teachers on a personal level, in educational institutions such as Centre for Industry Education and Collaboration, University of York, Science Learning Centre, University of Durham.
Since 2006, Joanne has worked and volunteered as an education consultant and delivered a range of science education initiatives for University of York, Institute of Physics, STEMNET, ESERO. Joanne has dedicated her whole working career to research, science and technology and educating others.
Joanne later began working on STEM education initiative and persuaded numerous industry managers across the North East of England and Yorkshire, to host primary school visits to showcase opportunities.
In addition to this, Joanne has been a registered North East STEM Ambassador for over 15 years and has been a STEM and Girl’s Network mentor, frequently offering to support individuals and regional educational establishments.
Joanne’s passion for helping others is infectious and she continually does her utmost to support people.
From the training of teachers by being involved in STEM and the Centre for Industry Education Collaboration, to continually supporting the underprivileged, helping them raise their aspirations and showcasing what opportunities are out there.
Joanne spends her own time to educating and inspiring others, regardless of their background – one of things that really stands out with Joanne is her approach to inclusivity.
It is this dedication that puts Joanne at an inspirational level, working with children from a young age, ensuring the option of engineering and scienceis part of the normal curriculum. She has dedicated her entire life to the betterment of others and ensures that the passion is ignited from an early age, making sure that it is known that entering her industry is an option. This has not only contributed to the growth of the industry but has impacted involvement from a
regional perspective
Joanne’s humbleness is contagious and doesn’t understand the impact she has on others, talking to her peers they all say that her approach to development is an inspiration. It is those that have
dreamed and achieved their aspirations to go onto great things that Joanne is so proud of, and it is that reward that drives her to continue.
