Professor Bruce Drinkwater Honored with Fellowship for Groundbreaking Ultrasonics Research

Professor Bruce Drinkwater Honored with Fellowship for Groundbreaking Ultrasonics Research

(IN BRIEF) Professor Bruce Drinkwater from the University of Bristol has been awarded a prestigious Fellowship from the Royal Academy of Engineering for his pioneering work in ultrasonics, including the invention of the first ultrasonic tractor beam. His research has led to significant industrial advancements in non-destructive testing and particle manipulation. As leader of the Ultrasonics and Non-Destructive Testing Research Group, Professor Drinkwater has overseen key innovations and collaborations. The Fellowship recognizes his contributions to engineering, and he credits his success to his team and the University’s supportive research environment.

(PRESS RELEASE) BRISTOL, 19-Sep-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Professor Bruce Drinkwater, a leading expert in ultrasonics from the University of Bristol, has been honored with a prestigious Fellowship from the Royal Academy of Engineering. Known for his groundbreaking work, including the invention of the world’s first ultrasonic tractor beam, Professor Drinkwater joins a select group of 70 distinguished professionals recognized for their exceptional contributions to engineering, business, and academia. His innovative research has led to advancements in industrial applications of ultrasonic arrays, non-destructive testing, and particle manipulation.

His notable achievements, such as the development of acoustic holograms for levitating objects, have also captured public interest, with a recent demonstration on the popular BBC2 show QI. Alongside his research, Professor Drinkwater leads the Ultrasonics and Non-Destructive Testing Research Group at the University of Bristol, guiding a team of six academic staff and 30 PhD students. He is also the Director of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training and serves as Editor-in-Chief of a key journal in his field.

Reflecting on his Fellowship, Professor Drinkwater expressed his gratitude to his collaborators and the University of Bristol, crediting the institution’s strong research culture for his success. The Academy’s initiative to promote diversity in engineering, including underrepresented groups, was highlighted during the announcement of the new Fellows, with the newly elected cohort supporting the Academy’s mission to build a sustainable and inclusive economy through engineering.

The formal induction of the new Fellows will take place in London on November 27, 2024, where they will officially join the Academy in its efforts to address critical global challenges.

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SOURCE: University of Bristol