UK Government Advisor receives prestigious energy industry award
Prof David MacKay, Chief Scientific Advisor to the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), was presented with the Energy Institute (EI)'s prestigious Melchett Award at a ceremony held in London on 10 June.
David MacKay was appointed as DECC’s Chief Scientific Advisor in 2009. His role is to ensure that DECC’s policies and operations, and their contributions to wider Government issues, are underpinned by the best science and engineering advice available. Prof MacKay studied Natural Sciences at Trinity College, Cambridge University. From 2003 to 2013 he held a professorship in the Department of Physics at Cambridge, and in 2013 he was appointed the Regius Professor of Engineering at Cambridge. He devotes much of his time to public teaching on energy issues. His book on the subject,Sustainable Energy – Without the Hot Air, has received endorsements from all sectors and political parties.
Louise Kingham OBE FEI, Chief Executive, Energy Institute, says, ‘Prof MacKay’s enthusiasm for providing information on sustainable energy and climate change in an accessible and relevant way is hugely valuable. He has a strong scientific and engineering background, along with a passion for communication and a no-nonsense approach to the efforts needed to respond to the challenges of a sustainable energy future. On behalf of the Energy Institute, I am delighted to see Prof MacKay’s work recognised in this way with the EI’s most distinguished award for individual achievement.’
Prof David MacKay adds, ‘Throughout my time as Chief Scientific Advisor at DECC, I have been delighted by the warm support of the UK’s energy community. Experts from all sectors, and especially from industry, have been fantastically supportive of the aspiration that our energy policies should be developed on the best possible foundation of honest, numerate, and open evidence.’
The EI Melchett Award is one of the most prestigious within the EI’s gift and is named after one of the first EI Presidents, The Rt Hon Sir Alfred Mond, later to become Lord Melchett and Chairman of ICI. It is presented for outstanding work, whether in research, administration, construction or other professional activity, involving the scientific preparation or use of energy.
Pictured l-r: Joan MacNaughton CB HonFEI, President, Energy Institute, presents Prof David MacKay with the EI's Melchett Award.
For further information, please contact:
Katie Crabb, Communications Manager, Energy Institute
t: 44 (0)20 7467 7173, e: kcrabb@energyinst.org
Notes to editor: The Energy Institute (EI) is the leading chartered professional membership body for the energy industry, supporting over 16,000 individuals working in or studying energy and 250 energy companies worldwide. The EI provides learning and networking opportunities to support professional development, as well as professional recognition and technical and scientific knowledge resources on energy in all its forms and applications. The EI’s purpose is to develop and disseminate knowledge, skills and good practice towards a safe, secure and sustainable energy system. A registered charity, the EI serves society with independence, professionalism and a wealth of expertise in energy matters. For more information, please visit www.energyinst.org
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