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The University of Southampton
Engineering

Engineering professor honoured with Royal Society award

Published: 19 July 2017
Professor Timothy Leighton

Timothy Leighton, Professor of Ultrasonics and Underwater Acoustics, has been awarded the prestigious Clifford Paterson Medal by the Royal Society for his ground breaking work in the field of engineering. His research into acoustics has been applied across many fields such as anti-microbial resistance, mine detection, foetal scanning, catastrophe relief, climate change and marine life.

As part of the award, Professor Leighton will give a public lecture at the Royal Society in autumn 2018, when he will be presented with his medal.

His inventions include the world’s only sonar capable of detecting mines in bubbly seawater.

His most recent invention uses ultrasonics to bring about accelerated wound healing, with potential to help trauma and burns victims worldwide.

He also helped develop the safety guidelines under which, to date, two billion babies in the womb have been ultrasonically imaged.  Other inventions have been designed to help with osteoporosis, kidney disease and finding buried survivors in collapsed buildings.

Professor Leighton, who was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2014, said: “I am humbled and honoured that my work has received the recognition of the Royal Society through this award”.

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