Innovative marine engineering research project celebrated with ICASE Award
Postgraduate research student Geir Ólafsson from the University of Southampton has been named the winner of BAE Systems’ ICASE Award for addressing a technical challenge for sustainable shipping.
The School of Engineering researcher was praised for his depth of technical understanding and enthusiasm for his field at a ceremony in Glasgow for the Industrial Cooperative Awards in Science and Technology (ICASE).
Geir is investigating how to assess the integrity of bonded joints between large composite structures and a steel hull, which will simplify joint design and save weight and support costs.
His work has also resulted in a joint patent being filed, which gives BAE Systems the added benefit of unique intellectual property to go alongside his high quality research.
“I’m really proud to have been nominated for the award, let alone win it,” he said. “The support I have had from BAE Systems has been brilliant. Right from the start I’ve had access to people, expertise and facilities to help me carry out my research. I think the fact this is an industrially relevant project is just fantastic.”
ICASE is funded through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and provides opportunities for studentships to explore novel research collaborations that deliver innovative and practical industry solutions.
Geir is supervised by Professor Janice Barton and Dr Rachael Tighe in Mechanical Engineering, and Dr Stephen Boyd in Fluid-Structures Interactions Group in the School of Engineering.
“I am delighted that Geir received the award; he is an excellent student, and it is very well deserved,” Janice said. “From my perspective as an academic, it has been a great experience working with BAE Systems Naval Ships and utilising my expertise in mechanics to support his project.
“His PhD will contribute to more sustainable shipping with impact across the commercial sector, as well as in naval applications, by providing more lightweight and durable alternatives to conventional ship construction.”