The Irish Academy of Engineering (IAE) has unveiled its search to recognise outstanding achievement in the field of engineering sciences. The Parsons Medal will be awarded by the IAE to an engineer or engineering scientist who has made an exceptional contribution to the practice of engineering through the innovative application of engineering, science, or technology resulting in significant social and/or economic impact.
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Winner Sir John McCanny and IAE president Tony Smyth[/caption]
For video see here.
This award is an all-Ireland award for engineering sciences. Engineers or engineering scientists based in Ireland who have demonstrated engineering excellence and exceptional ability in:
• Engineering research leading to publication in refereed international journals and/or;
• The application of engineering research or technology to the development of innovative products or services and/or;
• The development of an engineering based enterprise.
Previous winners have included Professor Tony Fagan, UCD School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (2016); Dr Edmond Harty, Dairymaster CEO, (2017); and Professor Sir John McCanny (2018).
Influence in field of digital signal processing
Prof Fagan received the honour for his influence in the field of digital signal processing (DSP). DSP is a technology that allows instant communication across the world. It is the technical brains behind television, the internet and devices such as phones and digital cameras.
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Sir Brendan Parsons, Earl of Rosse, left, with Sir John McCanny.[/caption]
The academy awarded the 2017 Parsons Medal Dr Edmond Harty, who has filed more than 96 innovative patents relating to his business, which are applied commercially on farms around the world and have brought about great efficiencies on dairy farms. Dairymaster is one of the world’s leading dairy and agri-tech firms and exports to 40 countries and has direct operations in Ireland, UK and USA.
Prof Sir McCanny is emeritus professor in electronics and computer engineering at Queen's University, Belfast (QUB) and was director of the Institute of Electronics, Communications and Information Technology (ECIT).
He received a knighthood in the 2017 New Year's Honours in recognition for his services to higher education and economic development, and has published five research books, 360 peer-reviewed research papers, and holds more than 20 patents. He received a record level of funding for his research between 1984 and 2017, which amounted to approximately £110 million.
'Encourage all engineers and technologists with a great story to tell'
The award will be made to the successful applicant at a lunch in their honour in September. Dr Gabriel Dennison, chief executive of IAE, said: “I would encourage all engineers and technologists with a great story to tell to consider allowing themselves be nominated by a sponsor.
"It isn’t often there are opportunities for recognition and validation of your professional work by your peers – certainly not at the prestigious level of the Parsons Medal.”
The Parsons Medal commemorates the work of Sir Charles Algernon Parsons, the Irish inventor of steam turbines and the youngest son of the famous astronomer William Parsons, 3rd Earl of Rosse. The family seat of the Parsons family is at Birr, Co Offaly.
Speaking about the accolade, previous winner Prof Fagan said: “To receive this recognition from my peers for my academic work and the work I’ve done with Irish Industry was one of the highest points in my career. I would encourage engineers to apply or if you know someone who has excelled in the field you can nominate them.”
Closing date for applications is May 31, 2019. For further information please visit
www.iae.ie
Background
The Parsons Medal commemorates the work of Sir Charles Algernon Parsons, the inventor of steam turbine and youngest son of the famous astronomer, William Parsons, third Earl of Rosse whose family seat is at Birr, Co Offaly.
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Sir John McCanny.[/caption]
Previous winners include Dr Patrick Prendergast, provost of Trinity College Dublin, and Professor (Michael) Peter Kennedy, professor of electrical and electronic engineering, University College Cork.
Nominations to be sent by email to: Honorary Secretary, Irish Academy of Engineering, 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin D04 R3N2. Email:
academy@iae.ie
Further details on
www.iae.ie