11 July 2024 | 1 minute read

The winner is…

AWE is pleased to announce the first AWE Defence Industry Early Careers in Engineering Prize, in partnership with the Worshipful Company of Engineers and The Engineers Trust.

Congratulations to James Read of Cranfield University, a leading researcher in defence engineering.

The award recognises and celebrates a wide variety of defence engineering innovations and achievements across all defence industry sectors.

The outputs of James’ research will enhance armour systems which will help improve safety to frontline members of the armed forces, provide cost savings to the Ministry of Defence and improve sustainability.

His innovative research has been adopted by leading defence organisations within academia, government and industry.

Giles Hartill, AWE’s Chief Technologist and member of the Worshipful Company of Engineers, presented James with his prize.

Giles was pleased to say:

“James was a worthy winner of our new award. His work will have a direct impact on the safety of frontline armed services personnel. Our support for this demonstrates AWE’s commitment to enhancing UK research and development across the defence sector. We aim to collaborate and partner strategically to enhance UK capability, capacity and resilience in defence. I would also like to thank The Worshipful Company of Engineers and the Engineers Trust for hosting the award.”

More news

AWE joins the BFRS Network

We are thrilled to announce that AWE has joined the British Forces Resettlement Services (BFRS) network. The BFRS is a social enterprise that works to support the Armed Forces Community (AFC) in transitioning to civilian careers. This network includes employers and training providers who are committed to supporting service leavers by offering exciting […]

A building with the word RAICo on it against a backdrop of hill cliffs and a beach

AWE joins RAICo

The Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Collaboration (RAICo) has announced the addition of AWE – a UK leader in nuclear technology and innovation – as its fifth member organisation. AWE joins the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), Sellafield Ltd, the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), and the University of Manchester in this integrated collaboration.

Images of gliders on Aldermaston airfield lined up in 1944

Features

8 May 2025

VE Day at Aldermaston

80 years ago, the European part of the Second World War came to an end. On the 8th of May 1945 - known as Victory in Europe Day or VE Day - celebrations erupted around the world to mark this. Aldermaston had played its part in the liberation of Western Europe as it formed the launch point and training ground for American airborne operations for the 101st Airborne Division, nicknamed the "Screaming Eagles”, during D-Day a year earlier and the failed Operation Market Garden.