Roger Sargent (chemical engineer)

Roger William Herbert Sargent (16 May 1926 – 13 January 2018) was a highly influential British chemical engineer. He is considered a pioneer in the field of process systems engineering (PSE).

Sargent’s academic career was primarily based at Imperial College London, where he served as Professor of Chemical Engineering from 1966 until his retirement. He received his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in chemical engineering from Imperial College as well.

His research interests were wide-ranging within process systems engineering, encompassing topics such as process optimization, process modelling, process control, and numerical methods for solving chemical engineering problems. He made significant contributions to the development of algorithms and methodologies for process design and optimization, particularly in the context of large-scale industrial processes.

Sargent was also known for his strong advocacy for the use of mathematical methods and computer-aided tools in chemical engineering. He emphasized the importance of rigorous analysis and systematic approaches to process design and operation. His work helped to establish process systems engineering as a distinct and vital sub-discipline within chemical engineering.

He received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, recognizing his contributions to the field. He was a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and a Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers.

Beyond his technical contributions, Sargent was a respected mentor and educator, shaping the careers of many chemical engineers who went on to make their own significant contributions to the field. His influence continues to be felt in process systems engineering through the work of his former students and collaborators, and through the continued relevance of his research contributions.