University of Edinburgh fire safety engineering team honoured
Researchers in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry have been recognised with a national award.
University of Edinburgh researchers at the Centre for Fire Safety Engineering have been awarded a Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education for their contributions to training, education and research for improving safety in built and natural environments.
Founded in the early 1970s, the Centre was the first of its kind in the world, with its researchers pioneering how fire safety engineering is taught, shedding light on the causes of major tragedies and conducting work that underpins global fire safety design, policy, regulation and innovation.
Most recently, staff and alumni from the Centre were involved in the final report of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry in 2024. Previously, the Centre’s researchers have helped understand the causes of and lessons from the Piper Alpha oil platform and King’s Cross station fires in the 1980s and the 2001 World Trade Centre collapse in New York.
Its researchers have also supported development of industry guidance for creating net-zero timber structures, as well as working with the UN on fire safety in informal settlements and refugee camps.
First awarded in 1994, the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education is part of the UK’s national honours system recognising ‘outstanding work’ by colleges and universities that ‘demonstrates excellence and innovation’ and ‘delivers real benefit to the wider world’.
It is granted every two years following a rigorous, independent review process carried out by independent charity the Royal Anniversary Trust.
Professor Luke Bisby, Chair of Fire and Structures and Director of the Centre for Fire Safety Engineering, says, ‘We are deeply honoured to be associated with this prize, in recognition of the innumerable contributions of our colleagues, students, alumni and partners…and as we continue to pioneer new developments in fire safety engineering education and research.’
