Technology triumphs at The Engineer Awards

Groundbreaking research by UK universities and technology companies has been recognised at The Engineer Technology and Innovation Awards, a new national awards scheme organised by The Engineer magazine.

Winners in eight categories received certificates from Declan Curry, business presenter for BBC Breakfast, at an Awards Lunch held at Imperial College London on 21 September.

Imperial College Spinout Ionscope won the University Spinout category for their work in high-resolution microscopy of cells and living tissues using a technique known as scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM).

Surrey University and its spinout Surrey NanoSystems triumphed in the Start-up and University Collaboration category. They developed a suite of technologies that allow the controlled growth of carbon nanotubes.

The SME and University Collaboration Award went to Newcastle company Kablefree Systems and Northumbria University. The partners worked together on a project to develop wireless emergency lighting systems for public buildings, removing the need for expensive and cumbersome permanent cables to be installed while still meeting stringent safety requirements.