Celebrating the achievements of alumni making an impact across industries and around the world
We are delighted to announce the Aerospace and Aviation winners of the 2025 Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences (FEAS) Alumni Awards.
Aerospace and Aviation theme award winners
Distinguished Aviation Alumni Award
MSc Air Transport 1991
Justin Symonds is an influential leader in the global transport and infrastructure sector, whose strategic insight and investment expertise have shaped the success of airports and aviation businesses across the world.
Justin serves as a Non-Executive Director at Newcastle International Airport and London Luton Airport, where his strategic insight and governance are helping to strengthen competitiveness, enhance passenger experience, and drive long-term growth. Over his career, he has played a pivotal role in major airport transactions. These deals delivered significant infrastructure upgrades, expanded international connectivity, and stimulated regional economies. His involvement in operational improvements, such as boosting jet fuel storage at Bournemouth, reflects his commitment to practical, future-focused solutions that optimise efficiency and support environmental objectives.
In 2013, Justin co-founded Hillbrook Partners, a corporate finance practice specialising in transport infrastructure, which he managed until 2020. Notable transactions included advising on the acquisition of Hochtief Airports (renamed AviAlliance) by PSP Investments, Vinci Airports’ purchase of a 51% stake in Gatwick, and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan’s sell-down of stakes in Bristol, Birmingham, and Brussels airports.
Justin is also a committed ambassador for Cranfield University. He has volunteered as a keynote speaker, supported student recruitment, donated to strategic campaigns, and played a key role in forging a sustainability-focused partnership between Cranfield and London Luton Airport.
Justin Symonds is awarded the 2025 Distinguished Aviation Alumni Award. Through his vision, expertise, and advocacy, Justin has created lasting value for the aviation sector and the communities it serves.
Excellence in Achievement Award for Recent Safety Graduates
PhD Aerospace 2023
Dr Elizabeth Box is a transformative force in the field of transport safety, whose work has not only advanced academic understanding but has directly shaped national strategies, influenced legislation, and improved lives across the UK and beyond.
As Research Director at the RAC Foundation, Elizabeth has led groundbreaking studies that have changed how young driver risk is understood and addressed. Her work on pre-driver education and road collision investigation has informed government policy and helped embed behavioural insights into national safety frameworks. The DriveFit programme, which she co-developed, is now recognised internationally as a benchmark in pre-driver education, earning her a Prince Michael International Road Safety Award in 2023.
Elizabeth’s impact extends beyond research. Through ECM Research Solutions she is helping public agencies and private organisations design and evaluate interventions that make roads safer for everyone—from ADAS training for fleets to community-based safety programmes. Her ability to translate complex behavioural science into practical, scalable solutions has made her a trusted advisor to government departments, police forces, and industry leaders.
Elizabeth is a frequent speaker, media contributor, and advisor on expert panels. Her work continues to influence how transport systems are designed, how safety is prioritised, and how behaviour change is achieved at scale.
Dr Elizabeth Box is awarded the 2025 Excellence in Achievement Award for Recent Safety Graduates. Her dedication to behavioural science and transport safety exemplifies the impact of Cranfield alumni on society and policy.
