Professor of ophthalmic bioengineering, Rachel Williams, who was identified as one of the UK’s most inspirational scientists, was honoured at a reception at the House of Commons where she was presented with a Recognising Inspirational Scientists and Engineers (RISE) Award.
Professor Williams from the University’s Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease works on creating materials which can be used to prevent or delay loss of sight.
The RISE Awards celebrate the inspirational scientists and engineers leading innovation in engineering and physical sciences. It is run by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), in partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering in recognition of EPSRC’s 20th anniversary.
At the ceremony, Dr Paolo Paoletti, a researcher from the University’s School of Engineering, was named as one of ten Rising Stars.
Rising Stars are researchers who are in the early stages of their careers and demonstrate the potential to be a future world-class talent.
Dr Paoletti was nominated by Professor Williams who said: “Dr Paoletti’s research in bio-inspired robotics is both cutting-edge and cross-disciplinary which are important qualities needed to take forward science and engineering in society.”
Professor Philip Nelson, Chief Executive of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, who presented the awards, said: “The wealth of talent the RISE Awards shows is truly impressive and heartening. These are the strong, inspirational leaders who can ensure the long-term health of UK science and engineering.”