University news

Professor Margaret Lucas of the James Watt School of Engineering has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
 
Professor Lucas is one of 69 leading figures announced as new Fellows today by the Academy in recognition of their exceptional contributions to the field of engineering and technology.
 
Over the course of her career, Professor Lucas has gained worldwide recognition for her research in applying high-power ultrasound to solve industrial and medical problems. She has extended the use of ultrasound to such areas as soft and hard tissue surgeries, manufacturing, and drilling technologies for terrestrial and planetary exploration, generating significant engineering impact. The Fellowship also recognises her commitment to enhancing the engineering academic environment and widening participation.
 
The Fellowship follows Professor Lucas’ appointment as Regius Chair of Civil Engineering and Mechanics at the James Watt School of Engineering in June. She is currently Dean of Research in the College of Science and Engineering and Director of the Centre for Medical and Industrial Ultrasonics.
 
Professor Lucas said: “I’m honoured to have been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, joining some of the most accomplished engineers from around the world.
 
“It’s a tremendous opportunity to make new connections and forge new relationships across the many fields and sectors in engineering, and also advance the field of ultrasonic engineering. I’m looking forward to contributing to the Academy’s goal to tackle the great engineering challenges towards a more sustainable and inclusive society.”  
 
This year’s new Fellows are the first to reflect the Academy’s Fellowship Fit for the Future initiative announced in July 2020, to drive more nominations of outstanding engineers from underrepresented groups ahead of its 50th anniversary in 2026.
 
This initiative will see the Academy strive for increased representation from women, disabled and LGBTQ+ engineers, those from minority ethnic backgrounds, non-traditional education pathways and emerging industries, and those who have achieved excellence at an earlier career stage than normal.
 
The new Fellows will be admitted to the Academy, which comprises nearly 1,700 distinguished engineers, at its AGM on 22 September. In joining the Fellowship, they will add their capabilities to the Academy’s mission to create a sustainable society and an inclusive economy for all.
 
Sir Jim McDonald FREng FRSE, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, says: “Our Fellows represent the best of the best in the engineering world, and we welcome these 69 excellent and talented professionals to our community of businesspeople, entrepreneurs, innovators and academics.
 
“This year’s new Fellows are the most diverse group elected in the history of our institution. The engineering profession has long suffered from a diversity shortfall and the Academy is committed to changing that, including by ensuring that our own Fellowship community is as inclusive as it can be. It is well established that diverse organisations tend to be more agile and more innovative, and as the UK’s National Academy for engineering and technology, we have a responsibility to reflect the society we serve in addressing the shared challenges of our future.”

First published: 22 September 2021