The Institute's most historic Premier Award, the Bessemer Gold Medal is presented annually for outstanding services to the steel industry:
- To the inventor or designer of any significant innovation in the process employed in the manufacture of steel, or for innovation in the use of steel in the manufacturing industry or the economy generally.
- For published work embodying the results of original research on the production of steel and results that have significant potential for economic benefit.
- For contribution to the development of the steel industry and its importance to the economy nationally and internationally.
The award, which dates back to 1774, has been won in the past by Harry Brearley (the Sheffield based inventor of stainless steel), The Hon Sir Charles A Parsons (inventor of the steam turbine), Lakshmi Mittal (Chair, ArcelorMittal, one of the world’s largest steel companies) and Sir Robert Hadfield (inventor of Hadfield Manganese steel) and many more. This year the award will be presented at the 2024 IOM3 Awards Day on Thursday 5 December.
Professor Nicola Morley, Head of Department of Materials Science and Engineering said: “Professor Rainforth's recognition with this prestigious award is something to celebrate. It highlights his standing as an international authority in steel processing, properties, and characterisation. His research not only boasts high academic impact, featuring in top journals like Nature and Science, but also translates into tangible results with over 400 published papers and a textbook. His dedication to knowledge transfer has demonstrably benefited the UK steel industry including Tata Steel, British Steel, Liberty Steel, Sheffield Forgemasters, and Rolls-Royce
I am incredibly proud and grateful for his leadership at the helm of the Sheffield hub of the Henry Royce Institute where his dedication has been instrumental in delivering not only two brand new buildings, but also cutting-edge equipment that will propel our research forward. Furthermore, his direction of both the Institute for Microstructural and Mechanical Process Engineering and the Mercury Centre have fostered crucial collaborations with the UK steel industry and the field of innovative materials and manufacturing – a true testament to his vision and collaborative spirit.”
