Congratulations to Robert Thomson – announced by The Royal Academy of Engineering as a winner of the Princess Royal Silver Medal.
The Princess Royal Silver Medal is one of the Academy’s most prestigious individual awards, recognising an outstanding personal contribution to UK engineering that has achieved successful commercial exploitation.
By applying photonics to astronomy Robert redefined what is possible in photonics, developing the first integrated photonic lanterns during his Advanced Fellowship, funded by the UKRI Science and Technology Facilities Council.
“I am deeply honoured to have been awarded the Princess Royal Silver Medal by the Royal Academy of Engineering.
It is a tremendous privilege to receive this recognition, and a particular pleasure to have been awarded one of this year’s medals alongside two truly inspiring fellow recipients (Ian Campbell and Liucheng Guo).
I have been incredibly fortunate to work with exceptional colleagues, students, collaborators and industrial partners throughout my career, and this recognition reflects their support and dedication.”
As Professor of Photonics at Heriot-Watt University Robert is committed to developing the next generation of engineers while delivering world-leading research and translating discoveries into real-world impact in partnership with academics, clinicians, patients and industry.
“I am also immensely grateful to the patients and members of the public who have helped shape our healthcare research. Their lived experience is a constant reminder that the ultimate purpose of engineering is to improve people’s lives.
Thank you to the Royal Academy of Engineering for this incredible honour.
I look forward to continuing to work with outstanding colleagues, clinicians, patients and industry partners to translate engineering research into technologies that make a real difference.”
