02 May 2024
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Charlotte Robinson of Catalent
Refrigeration engineer Charlotte Robinson, of Catalent Pharma Solutions, has won the 2024 AREA World Refrigeration Day Women in Cooling video competition.
The competition, which was launched last year and recognises the vital contributions of women in the refrigeration industry, saw eight professionals vying for the title. They were:
- Charlotte Robinson – United Kingdom (winner)
- Katie Cronin – Ireland
- Tie Kieuw Lee – Netherlands
- Chloe Jennings – UK
- Sharon Byrne – Ireland
- Carmen Rodriguez Ortiz – Ireland
- Zdenka Bukovinová – Slovakia
- Joanne Mitchell – UK
This year's competition was notable for its emphasis on practical and design skills, with Robinson's entry highlighting the importance of problem-solving abilities in maintaining and optimising refrigeration systems.
The award ceremony will take place on May 23 at the historic Titanic Museum in Belfast. Robinson will receive a €1,000 cheque from World Refrigeration Day, while her travel, accommodation and dinner expenses were covered by the hosts, BESA RACHP Group.
Steve Gill, founder of World Refrigeration Day, said: " I am thrilled to congratulate Charlotte on her well-deserved victory. This competition celebrates not just individual achievement, but the collective progress and inspiring potential of all women in refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pumps. Let us continue to support and amplify the visibility of such talented professionals, paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in our field."
In conjunction with the competition, the AREA general assembly will also be held over the same two days. This gathering will bring together 24 associations from 22 countries to discuss the latest policies on training and certification in light of the newly approved EU F-Gas Regulation 3.0. This assembly is viewed as a crucial step towards harmonising standards across the industry and ensuring the highest levels of professional competence.
AREA President, Coen van de Sande, said: "I am delighted with the high level of this year's contributions, and I am convinced that it will inspire other women to start their careers in refrigeration technology. AREA will gladly continue supporting and promoting initiatives like the Women in Cooling competition that showcase the attractiveness of the RACHP sector."
The winning video, along with the submissions from the talented contestants, is available for viewing here.
