Regius Professorships awarded to ‘outstanding’ UK universities
1 min read
Two UK universities are to have the prestigious title of Regius Professor bestowed on them in recognition of their outstanding achievements in engineering.
Professor Chris Toumazou from Imperial College London is to be given the title for his many achievements in electrical and electronic engineering, including one of the world's first cochlear implants.
He is also responsible for creating a digital plaster that can remotely monitor a patient's vital signs in the comfort of their own home, and a handheld device that can analyse DNA to determine if a patient is allergic to specific types of medication.
The University of Surrey has also been awarded a Regius Professorship in the area of electronic engineering, although it has not yet been announced who will receive the accolade.
Both institutions are two of twelve universities to have the prestigious title bestowed upon them by the Queen to mark the Diamond Jubilee.
A Regius Professorship is a rare privilege, with only two created in the past century. It is a reflection of the exceptionally high quality of teaching and research at an institution.
David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, said: "I was incredibly impressed by the quality and range of the applications received and am delighted that twelve new Regius Professorships are to be created. Together, the successful applications demonstrated an exceptionally high level of achievement in both teaching and research.
"It is testament to the quality and strength of our higher education sector that so many universities were considered worthy of such a distinguished honour."
