Visiting UCLan prof engineers an early present

He has been bestowed with a prestigious award from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

Ian Taylor, a visiting professor in UCLan’s Jost Institute for Tribotechnology, has received the 2020 Tribology Silver Medal for his “exceptionally meritorious contribution to the science and technology of tribolology.”

Tribology is the study of lubrication, friction, and wear and The Silver Medal is regarded as the UK’s premier award for this field of engineering.

He spent most of his 33-year industry career at the Shell Research Centre where he was responsible for developing computer-based simulations to enable friction and wear reductions in car, truck, and bus engines.

His pioneering research led Shell scientists to develop lubricants which could improve engine efficiency while still protecting the engine against excessive wear.

Now Professor Taylor is using this wealth of experience at the Preston-based university to raise funding for an initiative to create teaching materials for schools and resources for use by the general public with a view to helping them to gain a better understanding of the science of friction and wear and its critical importance to us all in daily life.

He said: "I’m greatly honoured by the award of the Silver Medal for Tribology by the Institution of Mechanical Engineering. Over many years I have worked with colleagues in Shell and with students from many different universities around the world in tribology. I hope to share that experience in teaching and research through my recent appointment as a Visiting Professor at UCLan."

He won't actually get his award until next year depending on Covid regulations, and is expected to be presented by the IMechE president, Terry Spall, who is also a graduate from UCLan's School of Engineering.