Professor O'Neill elected Fellow of Royal Academy of Engineering
Professor Bill O’Neill, Fellow in Engineering at Downing, has been announced as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in recognition of his outstanding and continuing contribution to his profession.
A Professor in Laser Engineering at the university, he is widely acknowledged as a leading expert in the field of high power lasers and their use in materials processing. He found the Centre for Industrial Photonics at Cambridge, focusing on delivering new laser-based manufacturing solutions to industry.
His innovations have led to successful industrial applications in: metal-based additive manufacturing; biomedical engineering; advanced coatings; carbon nanotubes; ultra-fast holographic imaging; high-strength super magnets; in-process diagnostics; and ultraprecision engineering. Inspired by the rapid development of lasers in the 1960s and 1970s, he established a distinguished research career that led to a series of roles as engineer, educator and entrepreneur.
He is one of 73 new Fellows to have been elected by the Royal Academy into its Fellowship at its AGM on 19 September 2023.
Professor O'Neill said: "I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this prestigious award. I accept this honour not only for myself but for my remarkable family, team and mentors who have been instrumental in my journey. This recognition inspires us to continue reaching for new heights and making a positive impact in the field of Engineering.”
Published 25 September 2023