RINA recognises Southampton’s world-class Wolfson Unit with prestigious Medal
More than 45 years of high-level advisory and consultancy work by the University of Southampton’s Wolfson Unit for Marine Technology and Industrial Aerodynamics (WUMTIA) have been recognised by one of the industry’s top professional organisations.
The Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) has awarded its 2012 Small Craft Group Medal to the Unit ‘in recognition of its long standing service’. It is the first time the award it has been presented to an organisation rather than an individual.
Barry Deakin from the Unit says: “All of our staff are delighted to receive the honour, and all those who have worked for the Unit in the past can be proud to have contributed to it.
“This award reflects our extensive experience in the small craft industry. We provide facilities, support and guidance to naval architects and yacht designers who want to model and test their vessels in our tanks and wind tunnels. We value our international reputation for independent, expert advice and sit on several regulatory and advisory committees.”
WUMTIA has long-standing relationships with the teams behind the latest America's Cup contenders, who use the Unit’s facilities and expertise to improve the design and safety of the racing yachts. Researchers have also worked with UK Sport to improve the performance of the country’s elite athletes, including the British cycling team; in 2007 WUMTIA was awarded the status of UK Sport Innovation Partner.
Professor Simon Cox, Associate Dean for Enterprise in Engineering and the Environment, adds: “It is a proud day for the whole team in WUMTIA and the generations of engineers in the Unit who have worked with hundreds of small and large clients across the globe.”