A research fellow and a PhD student at Cranfield University have both been awarded prestigious fellowships to advance their academic careers.

Dr Thomas Kissinger, Research Fellow in the Centre for Engineering Photonics, is one of 17 engineers across the UK selected for the Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowship, which will provide £491,000 funding over five years.

Marta Ferran Marques has been awarded one of 12 Industrial Fellowships worth up to £80,000 by the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851. She will commence her PhD studies at Cranfield alongside her full time position at Sensor Coating Systems (SCS).

Professor Helen Atkinson, Pro-Vice Chancellor at Cranfield University, said: “This is excellent news for Thomas and Marta. The support they will receive from the institutions, industry and from us here at Cranfield should enable them to achieve great things.”

Thomas’ research investigates a new type of interferometric 3D imaging system. He explains: “This novel device can provide high-quality velocity and acceleration data in addition to 3D images. This could be of great benefit for many applications, including manufacturing, robotics, autonomous vehicles and healthcare.

“It is a great honour for me to receive this fellowship. It will open up a new field of research for me which I am excited to be able to contribute to.”

Marta’s project involves the development of thermal history coatings that can sense temperatures of up to 1,500°C or beyond, helping to reduce CO2 emissions and fuel costs in engines. She said: “This is an excellent opportunity for me, and a great chance for me to deepen my knowledge, pursue my passion and contribute to the scientific and commercial communities.

“Utilising the facilities and expertise at Cranfield and SCS, combined with the real-world experiences I will gain from industry, will allow me to deliver a more detailed, more relevant project.”

About Cranfield University

Cranfield University is a specialist postgraduate university that is a global leader for education and transformational research in technology and management.