Imperial civil engineer recognised across the pond by prestigious academy

An Imperial researcher has been recognised in the USA this week for more than thirty years of work in the field of civil engineering.

Emeritus Professor David A Nethercot has been elected as New Foreign Member of the National Academy of Engineering in the USA, which is the country’s premier body for engineering. He was made a Member “for contributions to structural steel design and construction and for service to structural engineering worldwide.” He is one of only 12 people to be elected as a Foreign Member this year.

Professor Nethercot is the former Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial and former Deputy Principal (Teaching) of the Engineering Faculty. He has more than thirty years of research experience, specialising in advisory work and committee activity in the area of steel, aluminium and composite frames structures. These are fundamental building components that are used in the construction industry. 

Professor Nethercot said: “Yesterday I opened a large package from the National Academy of Engineering in Washington and was delighted to find that it contained news of my election as a Foreign Member. This came as a complete surprise to me. I was not aware that my name had been proposed. It is a great honour and it is wonderful to be recognised for my work in structural engineering.”

Professor Jeff Magee, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, added: “David has played a pivotal role in Imperial. As Deputy Principal, he made a huge contribution to the practice and profile of engineering teaching.   What’s great about this accolade is that it also recognises internationally the huge contribution of his research in structural engineering. Well done David.”

Professor Nethercot has been responsible for major programmes involving experimental and numerical work that underpin British, European and other national construction design standards. His current research interests include understanding in more detail the progressive collapse of structures, and new construction methods that use light gauge steel.

Election to the National Academy of Engineering is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer. Academy membership honours those who have made outstanding contributions to engineering research, practice, or education.

Professor Nethercot’s election takes the number of New Foreign Members at Imperial to four. The others being Professors Julia Higgins, Geoff Hewett and Roger Sargeant, who are all from the Department of Chemical Engineering. Professor Alice Gast, President of Imperial, is also a Member of the National Academy of Engineering.