Paul Wilcox, Professor of Dynamics in the University’s School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, gained the accolade in recognition of his innovative engineering feats, which have introduced new techniques for safety testing of diverse structures including jet engine turbine blades, overhead wires for electric trains, and pipes in power plants.
His pioneering research, spanning more than 30 years and ranging from fundamental ultrasound physics to signal processing, features trailblazing techniques now used within most commercial ultrasonic array imaging systems by major global companies as well as smaller businesses.
Prof Wilcox said: “My work combines mechanical and electrical engineering, wave physics, signal processing, numerical modelling, and, increasingly, machine learning and statistics. The multidisciplinary nature of the field is one of the things I enjoy most about it; equally important is that it is driven by tangible real-world problems, which is what motivates me as an engineer.
“I am honoured to receive this award from the Royal Academy of Engineering, which also reflects the efforts of many talented colleagues, students, and industry partners. It is gratifying to know that some of the research arising from these collaborations has made a meaningful difference beyond academia.”
Prof Wilcox joined the University as a Lecturer in 2002. Within five years he gained an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Advanced Research Fellowship and went on to head up the University’s Mechanical Engineering department.
Closely involved with the UK Research Centre in Non-Destructive Evaluation (RCNDE) since its formation in 2003, he has developed strong relationships with major users of ultrasonic testing across multiple industrial sectors. These partnerships have provided a succession of challenging inspection problems and a direct route to industrial impact for the pioneering solutions.
Prof Wilcox has also co-founded the spinout company, Inductosense Ltd, which delivers digital corrosion and erosion monitoring, improving safety, accuracy and predictive maintenance. A decade on from its inception, the venture won a 2025 King’s Award for Innovation.
The new Royal Academy of Engineering Fellows, who have made great engineering and technology strides in areas spanning clean energy, AI, medicine and public health, will be formally admitted to the Academy at a special ceremony in London next month.
Sir John Lazar CBE FREng, President of the Royal Academy of Engineering, said: “As we celebrate our 50th anniversary this year, we also mark the Academy’s achievements since it was founded as the Fellowship of Engineering on 11 June 1976 at Buckingham Palace, with the enthusiastic backing of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, our Founding Senior Fellow. Our Fellowship has been at the core of our work for the past 50 years, connecting the businesses leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers and policymakers who are at the heart of the UK’s technological progress.
“This year’s cohort will be joining a community of over 1,700 top engineers and innovators in the UK and around the world. Together, we ensure that bright ideas are supported, scaled and shared, turning ambition into innovation and innovation into impact. We aim to strengthen education, skills and inclusion to inspire and equip the engineers of today and tomorrow.”
Professor Ian Bond, Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Bristol, added: “This is a fitting achievement to mark Paul’s illustrious career and the tremendous lasting impact his work has made on safety inspection in wide-ranging fields.
“His multidisciplinary expertise is remarkable and he is a fantastic ambassador for research innovation, commercial acumen, and teaching excellence. Many congratulations indeed.”