Jill Ellis, Senior Lecturer in Food Manufacturing and Programme Lead at the University of Lincoln, joins the judging panel for the Engineering Excellence Awards 2026, bringing more than 20 years of experience across food manufacturing, product development and innovation.

With a career spanning industry expertise and higher education, Ellis contributes practical knowledge of food manufacturing alongside a strong focus on developing the skills and capabilities required by the next generation of manufacturing professionals.

As Senior Lecturer and Programme Lead at the University of Lincoln, Ellis supports the education and development of food manufacturing apprentices and students. Her work combines technical understanding with a commitment to building practical skills for a sector where manufacturing capability, innovation and workforce development are closely connected.

Her background in product development and innovation gives her direct experience of the processes involved in developing and improving food manufacturing products. This provides a practical perspective on entries where engineering expertise supports manufacturing performance, product innovation and operational development.

Ellis is also passionate about developing future talent and advancing skills across the food manufacturing sector. Her experience in education therefore adds a people and skills dimension to the judging process, complementing the technical and commercial expertise represented across the wider panel.

The Engineering Excellence Awards 2026 spans 22 categories recognising achievement across manufacturing, sustainable engineering, engineering innovation, civil engineering, structural engineering and renewable energy, alongside engineering technology, project delivery and engineering leadership.

Ellis joins a judging panel led by Judging Coordinator Matt Cotterell of MTU, with judges including Professor Brian Caulfield of Trinity College Dublin, Dr Brian Deegan of the University of Galway, Dr Brooke Tornifoglio of Trinity College Dublin, Dr John Mulvihill of the University of Limerick, Maeve O'Reilly of Gas Networks Ireland and representatives from engineering, manufacturing and higher education.

The awards gala will take place on 21 October 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry.

Visit the official Engineering Excellence Awards website to explore the shortlist, review category details, and subscribe to the newsletter for updates.