The Mensforth Manufacturing Medal will be awarded to Tom Williams, the COO of Airbus, for his achievements as a world-class production engineer. Williams started work as an engineering apprentice in 1972 and, after working across a range of manufacturing industries, is currently responsible for ensuring the Airbus manufacturing supply chain can deliver its burgeoning order book of the current A380 and new generation A350XWB.
“His in-depth understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by the industry helps him fulfil his commitment to invest in manufacturing,” The Awards Committee said of Williams. “He is a trusted figurehead for this generation of engineers and an inspiration for the next.”
Dr Andy Harter, the founder and CEO of RealVNC, will receive the Faraday Medal for developing and commercialising the VNC technology which enables the remote sharing of computer screens. He has grown RealVNC from a startup to an international business that works with some of the largest technology companies.
Professor Alan Willner, who has developed a way of twisting light to increase the speed and capacity of optical fibres, will be awarded the JJ Thomson Medal for Electronics.
Professor Jean Armstrong who invented a range of new techniques for carrying data through optical and wireless applications which improve their efficiency and quality will receive the Mountbatten Medal.
Those receiving an Achievement Medal this year include Professor Moeness Amin who has developed radar imaging technique which allows people to see through walls; Professor Mark Williams who applied a 3D high-resolution scanning technique to revolutionise crime investigation by the police, and Dr Michael Aldred whose work enabled Dyson to launch the first mass-market robotic vacuum cleaner.
“It’s a privilege to celebrate the talent of these individuals whose work is at the leading edge of their respective fields,” said Naomi Climer, IET President. “Their achievements not only push the boundaries of their industry but ultimately improve the way we all live and work, reinforcing the critical role that engineers play in our society.”
The winners, who were nominated by their peers and selected by a panel of IET judges, will be invited to collect their awards at a ceremony on 16 November, where the remaining winner of the IET Volunteer Medal will also be announced.
The Achievement Awards are part of the IET’s Achievement Awards and Scholarships programme, which this year provided over £1million in awards, prizes and scholarships to celebrate excellence and research in the sector and encourage the next generation of engineers and technicians.
