Esteemed engineers Professor Steve Cowley, Professor Dame Julia King and Air Vice-Marshal John Main, will be rewarded for their outstanding achievements with Honorary Fellowships from the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Professor Steve Cowley will receive the honour in recognition of his contributions to plasma and fusion science. Professor Cowley is Chief Executive Officer at the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and Professor at Imperial College London. His main interest is in realising fusion power, and he played a leading role in developing the multi-scale approach to computing plasma turbulence. Professor Cowley is also a member of the Prime Minister’s Council on Science and Technology.
Professor Dame Julia King will receive the Honorary Fellowship in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the engineering profession. Professor Dame Julia King is the Vice-Chancellor of Aston University. Her academic work focuses on fatigue and fracture in structural materials, and developments in aerospace and marine propulsion technology. She has also held senior positions at Rolls-Royce and the Institute of Physics. Dame Julia has regularly advised the UK Government on technology and education and has recently been appointed to the cross benches of the House of Lords as one of four new non-party political peers recommended by the Independent House of Lords Appointments Commission. She was awarded a CBE in 1999 and a DBE in 2012.
Dame Julia said: “It is a special honour to receive this prestigious IET Honorary Fellowship. I hope it will help to send a message to women that the engineering profession is one that needs their talents and in which we can make a mark.”
Air Vice-Marshal John Main will also receive Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his outstanding service and loyalty to the IET and IET Connect for over 30 years’ continuous promotion and enhancement of the engineering profession.
In addition to a distinguished career in the Royal Air Force, including a wide range of engineering, command and staff appointments, culminating in senior roles as Air-Vice Marshal, John Main has always been unstinting in encouraging the next generation of armed forces and civilian personnel to gain professional recognition.
Naomi Climer, IET President, said: “I am delighted that we are able to mark these outstanding individuals with one of the IET’s highest honours, Honorary Fellowship.
“Their contribution to engineering and technology is immense and their positive influence is felt by us all every day, right across the world.”
The recipients will formally accept their Honorary Fellowships at the IET Achievement Awards on Wednesday 18 November in central London.
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