Institute Fellow Professor Helen Atkinson has received an honorary degree from the University of Liège, Belgium, in recognition of her career as a materials engineer and metallurgist.

She said of the award, 'I feel very honoured...Metallurgy is a wonderful subject. Metals are critical to our everyday lives so anything we can do to improve understanding is important.'

Professor Atkinson is Head of the Mechanics of Materials Group at the University of Leicester. Her research interests include the formation of semi-solid metals, which has application in laptop and mobile phone cases.

Head of the Department of Engineering, Professor John Fothergill added, 'Her vision and energy means she is a great inspiration to engineers across the UK.'

Further information

Press release from the University of Leicester

Professor Atkinson's homepage on the University of Leicester's website