Meet the Scholarships, Grants and Awards Panel
Behind every IGEM scholarship, grant, and award is a panel of dedicated volunteers who give their time and expertise to support the next generation of engineers.
Made up of experienced professionals from across the gas and wider energy sector, the Scholarships, Grants and Awards Panel brings together a breadth of technical knowledge, industry insight and lived experience. From early careers through to senior leadership, the panel reflects the full spectrum of pathways within the profession, ensuring that every application is reviewed with fairness, care and a deep understanding of the industry.
We are incredibly grateful to our panel members for their commitment. Their work plays a vital role in identifying and supporting talented individuals, helping them take the next step in their engineering journey.
David Tomkin (Panel Chair)
David Tomkin is a Senior Gas Investigation Engineer at the Health and Safety Executive and a Past President of IGEM. With over 25 years in the gas industry, he has worked across networks, utilisation and hydrogen projects, including at DNV Spadeadam and Northern Gas Networks (NGN).
A former recipient of an IGEM EngTech Development Grant, David used this support to complete his MSc in Gas Engineering and achieve Chartered Engineer status. The support of others has helped to shape his career, and he is passionate about giving back.
In his current role, David investigates serious incidents including gas explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning, working closely with policy, engagement and inspection teams to ensure safety remains at the core of the industry. As Chair of the Scholarships, Grants & Awards Panel, and a Past President of IGEM, he is committed to helping others access the same life-changing opportunities that supported his own career.
Stacey Goldsmith
Stacey Goldsmith is a Policy Engineer at Cadent Gas, with a career in the industry spanning more than two decades. Having entered the workforce at 15, her development has been shaped by hands-on experience and the support of others.
She is committed to helping others access similar opportunities and joined the panel to give back to the industry. Stacey is particularly passionate about supporting individuals who need encouragement, recognition or a pathway to progress.
Harriet Guiry
An Innovation Engineer at National Gas, Harriet works on low-carbon gas projects from research through to demonstration. She joined the industry in 2021, driven by an interest in geochemistry, engineering and the transition to net zero.
A former scholarship recipient herself, Harriet understands the impact that financial support can have in shaping a career. She is passionate about encouraging more young people into the energy sector and is committed to supporting applicants through her role on the panel.
Ben Kuchta
Ben Kuchta is an executive engineering leader with over 20 years of experience across the gas and electricity sectors in the UK, US and Northern Europe. His career spans transmission, distribution and utilisation, from frontline field operations through to Director level.
A Chartered Engineer and Fellow of both IGEM and the IET, Ben brings a strategic perspective alongside a strong commitment to mentoring engineers and supporting professional development across the industry.
Adam Madgett
Adam Madgett is a Principal Consultant at DNV with over 20 years’ engineering experience across multiple industries. For the past decade, he has worked in the gas sector in roles including integrity management, project management and consultancy.
More recently, Adam has focused on hydrogen projects within gas distribution and transmission networks. An IGEM member since joining the industry as an Engineering Technician, he became a Fellow of the Institution in 2024.
Daniel Mee
Daniel Mee is an Engineering Manager for Integrity and Asset Protection at Cadent and a Chartered Engineer with IGEM. Since joining the industry in 2011, he has progressed through every stage of professional registration, from Engineering Technician to Chartered Engineer.
His career has developed from a trainee construction engineer into roles covering network integrity, engineering policy and asset protection. Daniel is passionate about supporting engineers at all stages of their careers and is motivated by the panel’s role in helping to develop future talent.
Robert Murray
Robert Murray brings over 50 years of experience in the gas and utilities industries. A Past President of IGEM and the Energy and Utilities Alliance, he has held senior leadership roles across organisations, including National Grid, Skanska and global consultancies.
A strong advocate for health, safety, sustainability and wellbeing, Robert is also a dedicated mentor, supporting engineers working towards professional registration. His contribution to mentoring has been recognised with IGEM’s Birmingham Medal.
Mumtaz Patel
Mumtaz Patel is a Chartered Engineer, IGEM Fellow and Chair of the North West Section, with over 35 years of experience in the gas industry. As a Muslim woman in what has traditionally been a male-dominated sector, she has built a career at the forefront of the energy transition, contributing to major hydrogen initiatives and championing skills, inclusion and representation across the industry.
Starting her career at 16, Mumtaz is passionate about creating opportunities for others and improving representation within the sector. She sees the Scholarships, Grants and Awards Panel as a way to inspire the next generation and support individuals to achieve their potential.
Lynsey Stevenson
A Principal Engineer at ROSEN, Lynsey specialises in integrity management and innovation projects within the UK gas industry. Since joining the sector in 2012, she has developed a strong focus on supporting and mentoring early-career engineers.
She is actively involved in STEM outreach and is passionate about encouraging young people to consider careers in engineering. Through the panel, Lynsey supports initiatives that build confidence, connections and visibility for developing professionals.
Dave Williams
Dave Williams is an Engineering Technician with over 18 years of experience in the gas industry. Starting as an Apprentice Pressure Control Technician, he has worked across a range of roles at National Grid, Cadent and National Gas, where he is now a Design Coordinator.
Dave brings a practical, operational perspective to the panel and is passionate about supporting continuous learning. He is particularly motivated to create opportunities for those who may not otherwise have access to funding or professional networks.
The deadline for the Scholarships, Grants and Awards applications is 31 May.