Pioneering work at the University of Southampton has been recognised with a national award.
The university’s Performance Sports Engineering Laboratory has won the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for its innovation in design and testing.
Its post-graduate engineering students Rachel Blackburn and James Roche designed the skeleton sled Arthur, which Amy Williams rode when she won gold at the 2010 winter games in Vancouver. The department’s work also helped cyclist Sir Chris Hoy.
The university’s vice-chancellor, Professor Don Nutbeam, said: “This is great news for the university, offering much deserved recognition for the Performance Sports Engineering Laboratory.
“The award recognises the outstanding work of our academics and students in supporting competitive sport and demonstrates Southampton’s world-leading expertise in engineering and the impact we have globally.”
Laboratory director Professor Stephen Turnock added: “We have seen our research impact at the highest level in competitive sport, but are equally proud of our graduates who excel in the ultra-competitive technology driven world of motorsport and performance sailing.
“It is rare to find a team without one of our ship science, aeronautical or mechanical engineering graduates playing a leading role.”
The university department is currently working with a variety of sports including, cycling, swimming, sailing, rowing, canoeing and wheelchair racing, ahead of the 2012 Olympics.
In the past, students have worked on sails, hulls, keels and rudders on America’s Cup yachts and the aerodynamics of Formula One motor racing cars.
The prize was being awarded at a ceremony in Buckingham Palace in February.