IOM3 local society Midland Plastics and Rubber Group (MPRG) have presented the Sue Panteny Award to James O’Callaghan, a young scientist at Birmingham-based firm Dunlop Aircraft Tyres.

James recently completed a part-time degree in Polymer Science at Staffordshire University, passing with first class honours, and was nominated for the award in recognition of the findings of his final project.  

Dunlop Aircraft Tyres hopes his work in developing a new aircraft tyre tread compound could increase the tyre life by reducing heat build up and increasing abrasion resistance, two improvements that should also reduce operating costs for airlines.

The compound is likely to put through rigorous testing before it makes its way into new products, but Dunlop Aircraft Tyres chairman Ian Edmondson said ‘I’m delighted that our employee’s promising work has received this fantastic recognition from the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.’

The award was presented to James by Bob Kind and Mike Beeson on behalf of MPRG. The award is named after Sue Panteny who sadly passed away last year. Sue received an Outstanding Service Award for her contribution to MPRG last year, which she supported as its chairman and secretary.