In a sign of the vitality of British engineering, the Royal Academy of Engineering has elected its youngest ever Fellows. Paul Westbury (33) and Professor Colin McInnes (35) were recently elected at the Academy's Annual General Meeting .

Colin McInnes, the 35 year old Professor of Space Systems Engineering at the University of Glasgow, is renowned internationally for his analytical and computational work in space systems engineering. Of particular note is his work in the area of non-keplerian orbits for solar sail vehicles ﾖ which he has established as a new field - along with all the computational tools to ensure the stability and control of such vehicles.

Distinguished for his novel and elegant potential function methods and computer codes for the automated assembly of structures in space and for autonomous guidance and control of spacecraft, Colin is a highly regarded and direct participant in the space programmes at NASA and the ESA.

Colin who lives in Netherlee on Glasgow's southside said, 'I had just returned home from travel to hear this news. I am delighted and honoured that my work has been recognised by this prestigious body.'

The award puts Colin in a very elite group at the University as there are only two other FREng at the University and those are the Principal, Professor Sir Graeme Davies and Professor Richard De La Rue.

Sir Alec Broers, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, added, 'Britain is privileged to be the home of some of the world's best engineers. The Academy is working hard to ensure that these people are recognised and that their skills are utilised for the greater good of the country.'

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

For further information, please contact Judith Hodgson at the University of Glasgow Press Office on 0141 330 3535/3683 or Professor Colin McInnes on 0141 330 5918/6143

First published: 25 July 2003