University professor honoured for exceptional contribution to innovation and science

Swansea University’s Professor Dave Worsley has won a prestigious St David Award for his contribution to Innovation, Science and Technology.

The national awards celebrate the exceptional achievements of people from all walks of life in Wales.

Professor Worsley, a member of SPECIFIC’s Management Team, Tata Steel-sponsored Professor and Vice President (Innovation) at the University – was recognised for his contribution to Wales by First Minister Mark Drakeford and his advisers.

The Innovation, Science and Technology category rewards those who have developed techniques or solutions that meet new requirements and who have provided effective products, processes, services, technologies, or ideas that are available to society at large.

During his 30-year career at Swansea, Professor Worsley has secured more than £100 million of research funding. He has driven world-leading PV research at through projects like SPECIFIC, SUNRISE, ABC, SUSTAIN, SAMI, and the numerous spin-out organisations that exist as a result .

He said:

“I’d like to thank the First Minister and the Welsh Government team for the excellent news. It’s testament to the brilliant efforts of our team in Wales which has delivered fantastic new technologies which can really change the world.”

Professor Worsley has also built exceptionally strong partnerships in Wales and beyond – with universities such as Cardiff, Cambridge and Oxford and as well as with industry including NSG Pilkington Glass and Akzo Nobel as well as a long list of SMEs.

In 2015, Professor Worsley was awarded the prestigious Hadfield Medal and Prize by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining in recognition of his distinguished work in the field of materials science and engineering and, in particular his achievements connected with the iron and steel industries.

He is a popular professor and has mentored 38 students. Through his mentorship past students have gone on to set up projects such as Materials and Manufacturing Academy and metal (Materials and Manufacturing Education Training and Learning) and to become leaders in industry in Wales and beyond.

Professor Worsley is author and co-author of 130 refereed scientific publications on coated product development, holds 12 patents and has an h-index of 32.

Award organisers said it was his passion, vision and collaborative leadership that led to him being shortlisted for this award. His work ethic is unmatched and his ability to motivate all those around him is commendable, not to mention his brilliant sense of humour.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said:

“These awards are a way of honouring those who have made an exceptional contribution to both our national life and to the life of communities across Wales and further afield.”