The University of Plymouth Academic Professor John Summerscales Receives Esteemed Engineering Award
Professor John Summerscales FInstNDT, a distinguished academic from the University of Plymouth, has been selected as the recipient of a prestigious accolade, recognizing his remarkable contributions to the field of composites engineering. The Institute of Materials, Minerals, and Mining (IOM3) Leslie Holliday Prize for 2023 has been bestowed upon him in recognition of his significant technological advancements in composite materials.
The Leslie Holliday Prize is a highly esteemed award that acknowledges outstanding achievements and breakthroughs in various types of composite materials. It is open to industrialists, research and technology organizations, as well as academics.
As a Professor of Composites Engineering within the University's School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics, John has dedicated five decades to the polymers and composites field. Expressing his gratitude upon receiving the award, he stated, "It is a tremendous honor and a delightful surprise to be recognized with this prestigious award. I am sincerely grateful to those who nominated me and to IOM3 for selecting me from a pool of exceptional nominees."
With the increasing demand for energy-efficient transportation and renewable energy sources in the context of achieving net-zero emissions, composites engineering plays an integral role. John emphasized the significance of their research and teaching activities in Plymouth, highlighting their potential to drive substantial advancements across critical and emerging industries in society.
John's academic journey began with studies in chemistry and polymer science, followed by a master's degree in the molecular science of materials. In the late 1970s, he joined the University of Plymouth to pursue a Ph.D., delving into the properties of fiber-reinforced plastics. Subsequently, he gained valuable experience with the Ministry of Defence before returning to the university in 1987 as a founding member of the Advanced Composites Manufacturing Centre (ACMC).
Throughout his illustrious career, John's research endeavors have secured funding from prominent UK and European institutions. His work encompasses diverse areas, such as the application of fiber-reinforced composites in the marine sector and the development and evaluation of sustainable composites.
In addition to his groundbreaking research, John has authored five books, published over 100 journal papers, guided 15 Ph.D. and five M.Phil students to successful completion, and presented at more than 150 conferences worldwide.
His influential contributions extend beyond academia. John served as the inaugural Chair of the British Composites Society Committee for Education, Professional Development, and Recognition. Currently, he holds the position of Secretary to the IOM3 Composites Leadership Team and actively contributes to the IOM3 CLT Skills Development Group, as well as the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) UK and Ireland Chapter (UKIC) Committee.
With his distinguished professional qualifications, including Chartered Engineer, Chartered Environmentalist, and Chartered Scientist, John adds to his credentials as a Fellow of IOM3 and a Fellow of BINDT. His achievements exemplify excellence in the field of composites engineering and serve as an inspiration to aspiring engineers and researchers.
