An Imperial engineer who designs materials to withstand harsh environments such as nuclear reactors has received a prestigious award this week.

Dr Ben Britton, from the Department of Materials at Imperial, was one of only five researchers in the UK to receive the Engineers Trust Young Engineer of the Year.

It was awarded by the Royal Academy of Engineering with support from the Worshipful Company of Engineers. Dr Britton and the other winners will each receive a prize of £3,000 for their outstanding achievements.

Dr Britton completed a DPhil at the University of Oxford in 2010 researching titanium for aerospace applications. In 2012, he joined the Department of Materials at Imperial College London as a Nuclear Metallurgy Fellow.

Dr Britton’s work on the engineering and materials science of commercially important alloys is vital to the aero-engine, nuclear and energy industries in the UK and overseas.

In 2014, he won the Silver Medal for ‘Outstanding contribution to materials science from the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, by an individual under 30’.

Last year, he was awarded a Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowship and was also appointed a lecturer at Imperial.

Dr Britton said: “Recognition by Royal Academy of Engineering through my fellowship has opened many doors and given me the confidence to embark on major research projects with an international reach.

“With this award, I hope to reach further and deliver new insights into the behaviour of materials in ever more challenging environments.

“Life as an academic is incredibly fun and challenging, and only made possible when working with talented, supportive and enthusiastic individuals. I share this recognition with them.”

In addition to his research, Dr Britton directs the MSc course in Advanced Nuclear Engineering, as well as teaching two undergraduate courses and supervising and advising graduate students. He also contributes to the College’s public engagement schemes through events, festivals and school visits. 

Professor Peter Haynes, Head of the Department of Materials, said: “I am delighted that Ben’s outstanding achievements have been recognised by this award. In addition to being a rising star in metallurgy, Ben is a terrific colleague with a passion for sharing the excitement and importance of materials with young people.”

Dr Britton received the honour at the Royal Academy of Engineering Awards Dinner at the Tower of London on Thursday 23 June.