Two distinguished specialists in renewable energy and the semiconductor industry are to be awarded honorary degrees from the University of Glasgow this summer.

Professor Robert Thresher and Dr Edward Strickland will receive their awards in recognition of their contribution at a ceremony in the Bute Hall, University of Glasgow on 2 July 2009.

Professor Robert Thresher has over 30 years research, development, engineering and management experience in wind technology, plant engineering and aerospace systems. Robert is the Director of the National Wind Technology Centre and was instrumental in its set-up. He has a lifetime achievement Award form the American Wind Energy Society. He promotes wind energy collaboration between the Europe and the USA actively sponsoring exchange programmes between universities and laboratories including Glasgow. Robert is also an advisor to the Scottish Intermediate Technology Institute.

Dr Edward Strickland is Vice President of International Research at the Strategic Trans-Atlantic Research Agency based in Arizona. He has been instrumental in bringing University of Glasgow semiconductor research expertise to the attention of leading semiconductor industry funders and researchers in both the US and Europe.  His industry-academia partnerships have been particularly successful due to his great insight and expertise in running large, multi-disciplinary research teams. Glasgow’s semiconductor research has global recognition thanks to Edward Strickland’s drive and vision.   

Clerk of Senate & Vice Principal of the University of Glasgow, Graham Caie said: “The University of Glasgow is delighted to recognise and honour the contribution Professor Robert Thresher has made to the advancement of renewable wind energy around the world and the contribution Dr Edward Strickland has made to facilitating and enhancing fruitful partnerships between industry and academic research in the field of semiconductors.”

Robert Thresher and Dr Edward Strickland will both receive their Doctor of Engineering honorary degrees at the graduation ceremony on 2 July in the Bute Hall at the University of Glasgow.

Further information:
Martin Shannon, Media Relations Officer
University of Glasgow Tel: 0141 330 8593

First published: 29 April 2009

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