Imperial has today conferred its Regius Professorship on an internationally renowned engineer, as the College celebrates its graduation ceremonies.

The recipient of Imperial’s first Regius Professorship, Professor Chris Toumazou, joined over 2,200 students and 6,400 guests at the Royal Albert Hall as graduating students receive their degrees in the College’s Commemoration Day ceremonies.

The title of Regius Professor of Engineering was awarded to Imperial as part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in January, in recognition of the work of Imperial’s Faculty of Engineering and its technological breakthroughs, from the invention of holography to the development of magnetic levitation. Imperial’s Regius Chair is one of 12 given this year, and the title has only been awarded to institutions on two other occasions in the last century.  

The College in turn has conferred it on Professor Toumazou, whose achievements include the first cochlear implants enabling deaf people to hear.

Professor Toumazou said: “Receiving the very first Regius Professorship at Imperial is an incredible honour. The award acknowledges so many historic contributions to the field of Engineering by Imperial researchers over many years.  In particular the field of circuits and systems where engineering solutions to medical problems has now become a core area of research.

“Having it conferred on me during Commemoration Day, in front of my family and thousands of graduates, makes it all the more special. Today is a day which celebrates both achievement and future potential, as so many gifted students from all disciplines mark their transition into their future careers.  When I think about what lies ahead in my research field it’s incredibly exciting to be reminded of all of that talent and to consider what contributions today’s graduates will make to shape the future of science and engineering and medicine.”

Professor Jeff Magee, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, said: “I am delighted we are able to honour Chris in this way. As a pioneer in the field of biomedical engineering, his achievements are extensive. Alongside becoming Imperial’s youngest ever professor at 33, he has published over 750 research papers and holds more than 50 patents, with inventions to his name that have transformed medical treatments and had a profound effect on people’s lives.

“The Regius Professorship recognises the world-class quality and impact of Engineering at Imperial College and Chris Toumazou is a very worthy first recipient of this prestigious title."

Alongside academic accomplishments, a number of students will also be recognised for their achievements in other areas of College life. Receiving Student Awards for Outstanding Achievement are Ali Rezaei Haddad, Rory Fenton (both from the Faculty of Medicine), and Franca Hoffman (Mathematics) who have all been nominated by senior members of staff for their contribution to College life and international outreach.

Congratulating the new graduates Imperial’s President & Rector Sir Keith O’Nions told them: “Your talents and educational experience mean you are well set to tackle head on the big challenges in our increasingly complex world.

"It is often said that Imperial’s reputation is built by its alumni – they are our greatest ambassadors. I have no doubt that the accomplishments of this year’s graduating students will be at least as great as those who have preceded you and wish you the very best for the future.”