A University of Aberdeen academic has won a prestigious Scottish Knowledge Exchange Award.
Professor Marian Wiercigroch, from the University of Aberdeen’s School of Engineering, was named joint winner of the Knowledge Exchange Champion of the Year.
Professor Wiercigroch is an internationally renowned researcher, conference organiser, engineer and inventor of new technology.
He won the award for demonstrating exceptional engagement with industry and delivery of knowledge exchange to energy companies - including establishing Aberdeen’s Centre for Applied Dynamics Research, which has organised over 100 research seminars delivered by leading national and international researchers.
Now in its fifth year, the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards celebrate the local and global impacts achieved for society and the economy through R&D partnership and knowledge sharing between businesses, colleges, universities and research institutes.
The annual awards are organised by Interface, which matches business to Scotland’s world-leading academics to develop and research new products, services and processes.
Professor Wiercigroch said: “I am delighted to have won this award but this is very much a team effort with colleagues from the Centre for Applied Dynamics Research - in particular, Dr Vahid Vaziri and Dr Marcin Kapitaniak.”
Dr Ann Lewendon, Commercialisation Manager at the University of Aberdeen said “The University of Aberdeen is home to world-leading researchers such as Professor Wiercigroch who are renowned for their strong engagement with industry, leading to innovative solutions across a variety of sectors including energy.
“This award is recognition of the multiple strands of engagement between Professor Wiercigroch, the CADR team and their industry partners in numerous collaborative projects. On behalf of the University I congratulate them on their success, which underlines the importance we place on fostering academic and business partnerships and knowledge exchange.”
Dr Siobhán Jordan, Director of Interface, said: “I always really enjoy the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards. Not only do we celebrate the achievements of the businesses we’ve helped match with academic expertise, this unique ceremony showcases the immense talent and expertise in colleges and universities working with industry, which enable sustainable and inclusive economic growth and job creation.
“The pioneering individuals and R&D partnerships recognised at the Awards have brought huge benefits and impacts which ripple locally, regionally and globally to truly drive industry-led innovation.”
The award partners are Marks & Clerk, SCI Scotland and Scottish Business Insider.
Applications were sought from all Scottish universities, research institutes and colleges, as well as businesses and organisations, demonstrating research and development and innovation-led partnerships which have had a positive impact on the economy, society or the environment.