The award has been made under the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Visiting Professors Scheme. This initiative aims to utilise the experience of leading industrial practitioners to enhance student learning as well as the employability and skills of UK engineering graduates, whilst strengthening external partnerships with industry.
In 1984 Andrew co-founded the Garrad Hassan Group, which grew to become the world's largest renewable energy consultancy. He has been professionally involved in wind energy for 40 years and has a wealth of accolades, including a CBE for services to renewable energy. He already has strong links with the University, which include serving on the External Advisory Board of the Cabot Institute for the Environment since its creation in 2010.
Andrew’s breadth of experience and inspirational leadership skills will enhance the teaching of renewable energy across the University. He will interact with students at all stages of their studies, from first year courses through to Masters-level teaching units, both in the Faculty of Engineering and the wider University. He will also support new teaching programmes related to renewable energy, including the Cabot Institute Master’s by Research in Global Environmental Challenges.
Speaking of his appointment, Andrew said: "I am impressed by the recent, rapid growth of the undergraduate courses on sustainable engineering at Bristol and I am delighted to be appointed as a Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor. This post is focussed on students rather than research. I have spent my life in renewable energy and my goal here is to enthuse the students by both its engineering fascination and its social and political importance.”
Dr Paul Harper, a co-leader of the Low Carbon Energy Theme within the University of Bristol’s Cabot Institute added: "Since first meeting Andrew at a conference whilst I was still a student here at Bristol, he has played a key role in inspiring my own interests in renewable energy. I know that he will have the same impact on our current students and will be a tremendous asset to our teaching.”
Professor Ian Bond, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering summarised by stating: “Sustainability is a key theme throughout much of our teaching and research. Andrew’s appointment aligns directly with our desire to take a lead in addressing this global issue, and further endorses our aspiration to be part of the solution in meeting our ongoing energy needs following the University’s recent declaration of a climate emergency.”