An innovative project developed by a Cranfield academic has received major recognition at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show, with Blast EcoShield’s stand winning both a Silver Medal from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and the GreenSTEM Young People’s Choice Award.
Blast EcoShield, Cranfield’s latest spin-out led by Dr Rachael Hazael CEng, explores how engineered plant systems can help protect people and infrastructure by reducing the impact of explosive events, and has also been highlighted as an example of university best practice for spin-outs.
The RHS Silver Medal was awarded for the project’s display showcasing nature-inspired protective engineering, while the Young People’s Choice Award, voted for by visiting students, confirmed the exhibit’s success in connecting new audiences with a distinctive area of research.
Presented in the Great Pavilion’s GreenSTEM area, the display showcases the emerging field of living protective barriers, combining interactive demonstrations and research insights with striking floral visuals. Visitors could see how carefully selected plant species can significantly reduce the peak pressure of a blast wave, increasing public safety and minimising the impact of an explosive blast.
Dr Hazael said: “We’re incredibly proud to receive these two awards, particularly as one comes from young people engaging with the exhibit. The level of interest and curiosity from visitors has been fantastic and it is such a thrill to be at this event. It’s a milestone moment for the project and really showcases the potential of combining nature with cutting-edge engineering.”
