An Imperial researcher who helped to stabilise the Leaning Tower of Pisa has been elected to the US National Academy of Engineering.

Emeritus Professor John Burland, from Imperial’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has been elected as a Foreign Member. Election to the Academy is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer. Professor Burland was only one of 22 Foreign Members and the only UK engineer to be elected this year.

Professor Burland said: “I only just heard about the news so I am still recovering my composure. At present I feel stunned, surprised and elated! I know that extremely high standards are demanded of individuals for Foreign Membership of the Academy, so this recognition means a great deal to me. Imperial must take the credit for this honour and it is yet another indicator of what a fabulous place this is. I plan to celebrate with the department and I’ll also have a family celebration as well, but I know they will make sure that I don’t get too big-headed.”

Professor Burland’s research focuses on engineering challenges related to the interaction between the ground and structures made of masonry. He is responsible for the design of many large engineering projects such as the underground car park at the Palace of Westminster and the foundations of the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre.

Professor Burland was also a member of the Italian Prime Minister's Commission for stabilising the Leaning Tower of Pisa from 1990 to 2002. In addition, he was a member of the international board of consultants that advised on the stabilisation of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City from 1992 to 1998.

Professor Burland was also London Underground's expert witness for the Parliamentary Select Committees on the Jubilee Line Extension and has advised on many geotechnical aspects of that project, including ensuring the stability of the Big Ben Clock Tower.

Professor Burland will attend a ceremony in Washington on 9 October 2016 where he will be formally inducted as a Foreign Member of the National Academy of Engineering.