Advancing Chemical Engineering Through Scientific Rigor, Environmental Responsibility, and Inclusive Leadership

Kerstin Forsberg has built a distinguished career grounded in scientific excellence, environmental commitment, and a sustained dedication to advancing chemical engineering. Her professional journey began when she completed both her Master’s degree in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and her PhD in Chemical Engineering. During these formative academic years, she developed a deep interest in separation processes, crystallisation phenomena, and the environmental implications of industrial waste streams—interests that would shape her future research.

After earning her doctorate, Kerstin joined as a Researcher, contributing to the EU‑funded F3 Factory project focused on pharmaceutical process development. She also taught courses at both basic and advanced levels, strengthening her ability to communicate complex engineering concepts with clarity and precision. Her transition to Assistant Professor marked an important step in her academic progression, allowing her to expand her research into natural systems and deepen her expertise in crystallisation and precipitation processes.

As Associate Professor, Kerstin led research projects investigating industrial crystallisation for resource recovery from challenging waste streams such as spent batteries, pickling acid, and red mud. Her work also explored adsorption and crystallisation mechanisms related to pollutant transport, including heavy metals, radionuclides, and microplastics. These contributions demonstrate her commitment to environmental responsibility and her ability to translate scientific insight into practical solutions for industry.

Today, as Professor of Chemical Engineering, Kerstin continues to advance the field through research leadership, teaching, and collaboration. Her work supports sustainable resource recovery, improved separation processes, and deeper understanding of crystallisation mechanisms. She is widely recognized for her ability to integrate rigorous scientific methodology with real‑world environmental challenges, strengthening the role of chemical engineering in sustainable development.

As a female leader in a highly technical field, Kerstin exemplifies ASHRAE’s values of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Her career demonstrates how inclusive leadership enriches scientific progress and inspires emerging engineers to pursue meaningful contributions to the built environment.