Dr Kirsty Hewitson has been awarded a Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professorship at The University of Manchester, recognising her leadership in robotics, artificial intelligence and technology adoption across high-hazard industries.
Supporting the next generation of engineers and innovators
The appointment will see Dr Hewitson work with The University of Manchester’s Faculty of Science and Engineering. She will support the next generation of engineers and innovators, helping to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application.
Leadership in robotics, artificial intelligence and decommissioning
Dr Hewitson leads a portfolio of robotics, artificial intelligence and decommissioning programmes at the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). This involved working with partners across industry and academia, both nationally and internationally, to accelerate the deployment of advanced technologies in challenging environments.
Through her work at UKAEA and as Director of the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Collaboration (RAICo), Dr Hewitson has extensive experience translating innovative technologies into real-world applications, supporting safer, faster and more cost-effective solutions across nuclear decommissioning, fusion engineering and other high-hazard sectors.
Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professorship
The Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professors scheme enables universities to bring experienced industry leaders into engineering education. Visiting Professors share practical expertise with students, contribute to teaching and mentoring, and help strengthen links between academia and industry.
As Visiting Professor in Adoption of Robotics in High Hazard Industries, Dr Hewitson will help embed key principles for translating and commercialising innovation.
Commenting on the appointment, Dr Hewitson said:
I feel privileged to have been appointed as a Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor at The University of Manchester.
I have seen first-hand how essential our relationship with academia is for connecting different ideas from different fields in ways that would not otherwise be apparent. I am thrilled to have this opportunity to meet students at The University of Manchester and share industry-relevant knowledge to enhance their skills and future employability.
Industrial application and adoption of robotics will drive significant UK economic value that will only be achieved through developing the next generation of talent in these areas.
Strengthening collaboration between UKAEA and The University of Manchester
The appointment further strengthens UKAEA’s collaboration with The University of Manchester and its wider network of academic partners. It supports the development of future skills in robotics, artificial intelligence and engineering. It will also help translate cutting-edge research into practical industrial solutions.
Further information
Read the University of Manchester press release: Kirsty Hewitson awarded Visiting Professorship