The Chief Technology Officer of the Materials Processing Institute has been awarded the prestigious Thomas Medal in recognition of his contribution to steel research and innovation.
Alan Scholes will receive the honour from the Institute of Minerals, Materials and Mining as part of its IOM3 Awards 2020 having devoted more than 35 years of his successful career to industrial research and development.
A graduate of Cambridge University, Alan sits on several advisory boards for Doctoral Training Centres with leading UK universities and supports the development of young scientists and engineers.
He also contributes to advisory groups focused on industry development together with major international conferences involving the metals sector, both as contributor and as a member of the organising and technical committees.
As Chief Technology Officer of the Materials Processing Institute, Alan supports industrial partners in developing and commercialising new technologies. He is also responsible for converting research carried out by the UK’s university sector into commercial and practical applications within industry.
Alan said: “It is an honour to be recognised by IOM3 for my contribution to research and development within the metals sector. It is always gratifying to be acknowledged by your peers.
“However, this award is also a reflection on the cutting-edge work undertaken by the Institute in advanced materials, low carbon energy, the circular economy and digital technologies.”
Chris McDonald, Chief Executive of the Materials Processing Institute – who was himself awarded the Thomas Medal in 2014 – said: “This award is well-deserved. Alan has been at the leading edge of new steel process and product developments, leading research projects that have resulted in new technologies that are now standard throughout the industry.
“He is an internationally renowned figure in the global steel industry, having successfully led a number of multinational research consortia and delivered innovation programmes in South East Asia, India, Europe and North America.”
Dr Stuart Millman, an internationally recognised industrial researcher who retired from the Institute in 2018, was the third member of the team to receive the Thomas Medal, in 2011.