Professor Gordon McKay stands as a preeminent authority in sustainable development and chemical engineering with nearly half a century of distinguished academic and industrial leadership. He currently serves as Professor in the Division of Sustainable Development at Hamad Bin Khalifa University's College of Science and Engineering, where he has shaped research initiatives since 2015. Prior to this appointment, he held the prestigious position of Head of Department and Professor in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology for two decades, during which he also chaired the Chemical Engineering Discipline of the Hong Kong Institute of Engineers. His academic foundation was established through his BTech in Chemical Technology at the University of Bradford, followed by a distinguished career that began with his appointment as Reader at Queen's University Belfast in 1971.
Professor McKay's research legacy represents extraordinary scholarly impact, with over 1000 publications including more than 600 in international refereed journals and twelve authoritative books on energy systems, environmental science, and process engineering design. His seminal work in chemical engineering has produced one of the most influential papers in the field's history, recognized as the second most cited paper in the SCI Chemical Engineering sector with over 15,000 citations according to university records. His research productivity and influence are further evidenced by a remarkable Scopus h-index of 101 and Google Scholar h-index of 116, reflecting the substantial and sustained impact of his contributions across environmental engineering and sustainable development. McKay's expertise spans the critical intersection of industrial processes and environmental sustainability, with special focus on innovative solutions for energy systems and pollution mitigation.
Beyond his personal research achievements, Professor McKay has established himself as a pivotal figure in advancing sustainable engineering practices globally through his leadership and mentorship across academia and industry. His extensive professional experience, including ten years as Senior Process Specialist specializing in process plant design, environmental impact assessment, and process plant safety, provides unique practical perspective to his academic contributions. Currently at the forefront of sustainable development research at HBKU, he continues to guide the next generation of engineers and scientists while addressing pressing global challenges in environmental management and resource conservation. Professor McKay's enduring commitment to bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world applications ensures his ongoing influence in shaping sustainable engineering practices for future decades.