Manchester engineering excellence recognised by Royal Academy

28 Sep 2026

Seven Manchester academics have received prestigious recognition from the Royal Academy of Engineering, celebrating research, innovation and real-world impact.

Manchester is celebrating a double success after seven academics were recognised by the Royal Academy of Engineering.

Professors Richard Curry, Danielle George and Alan Partridge, and Visiting Professor Kirsty Armer, have been elected Fellows of the Royal Academy of Engineering, joining a community of more than 1,700 leading engineers and innovators in the UK and around the world.

The four are among 75 new Fellows recognised for their contribution to engineering and technology, spanning areas including clean energy, AI, medicine and public health. They will be formally admitted to the Academy at a ceremony in London on 19 October.

Professor Alan Partridge said: “I am delighted and honoured to be elected to the Royal Academy of Engineering. My election is not only a personal recognition but also a tribute to the many colleagues, teams and organisations that have supported me along the way.”

Pioneering robotics recognised

Professors Barry Lennox and Michael Fisher, together with Visiting Professor Kirsty Hewitson, have also received the prestigious Colin Campbell Mitchell Award for pioneering work developing robotic systems for use in hazardous environments.

Their work has helped reduce people’s exposure to dangerous environments while delivering significant engineering, safety and economic benefits. This includes estimated savings of around £20 million for Sellafield and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, with a projected future value of £500 million through wider adoption of the technologies.

The team has also pioneered the use of digital twins and simulation environments to improve safety, training and operational efficiency, as well as contributing to robotics policy and responsible AI practices in the UK and internationally.

Luke Logan, Chair of the Academy’s Awards Committee, said the team had demonstrated how engineering innovation can “deliver real-world impact” through collaboration spanning industry, academia and the public sector.

These achievements demonstrate the excellence, collaboration and ambition that will help us deliver Manchester 2035, translating our research and expertise into innovation and positive impact beyond the University.