Imaging techniques win Royal approval

22 Nov 2013

Our advanced materials and manufacturing research wins Queen's Anniversary Prize

The University’s world-leading imaging techniques, and extensive knowledge base, to support the UK’s strategic development in advanced materials and manufacturing has been honoured with a Queen’s Anniversary Prize – one of the most prestigious awards in higher education.

Manchester is at the forefront in developing new techniques for the 3D imaging of structures and defects in materials, and interpreting the state of stress, microstructure and damage in engineering materials and components. Coupled with this is the University’s knowledge and expertise to develop reliable models based on these imaging results to allow the development of engineered life-extending treatments and to accelerate the safe adoption of new manufacturing processes. To date the University has supported a wide network of 90 companies and 35 institutions providing unique insights into materials behaviour and failure, enabling innovation and direct impact to UK plc.

The University’s innovative work is having significant impact over a wide range of sectors, including nuclear, aerospace, oil and gas, airport security, automotive, biomedical materials, manufacturing and defence. It also produces wider benefits by transferring this knowledge and understanding into medical and life sciences, cultural heritage, palaeontology and food technology, as well as training future engineers and scientists in the use of leading imaging techniques.

The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes are administered by the Royal Anniversary Trust and presented every two years to reward innovative work of outstanding quality within the higher and further education sector.

Professor Colin Bailey, Vice-President of the University and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, said: “The University, and its staff across a range of disciplines, has become the world-leader in the development of imaging techniques and its application. The techniques support the development of advanced materials and manufacturing across a range of industrial sectors which is critical to the UK’s economic growth, as well as addressing global challenges. The Queen’s Anniversary Prize is a great honour, highlighting the excellent work carried out by our staff.”

The University’s President and Vice Chancellor, Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, added: “The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes reward excellence in work of outstanding importance and quality in higher and further education, so this honour is real testament to the cutting-edge research in imaging techniques being carried out here in Manchester.”