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Chris McDonald, CEO of the Materials Processing Institute, has been recognised by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) with the award of a Thornton Medal.

IOM3, one of the UK’s leading science and engineering institutions, awards the medal to the best speaker at an IOM3 event.

Chris is the winner of this year’s accolade for his speech at a 2022 event ‘Cop26 & beyond; the pathway to net zero’, entitled Rethinking Industrial Policy In An Uncertain World.

In it he discussed the decarbonisation of steel production at a time of great global turmoil – arguing a rethink of British industrial strategy was needed, one that aligns with long-term political, economic and national security priorities, rather than short term financial gain.

The not-for-profit Materials Processing Institute is a UK research and innovation centre based on Teesside and is focused on supporting industry by developing advanced materials, achieving industrial decarbonisation, deploying digital technologies and reducing waste through a circular economy.

Chris McDonald said: “I’m pleased and surprised to receive the Thornton Medal, which is also a reflection on the achievements of the entire team at the Materials Processing Institute, which is leading on the innovation necessary to place the foundation industries at the heart of a sustainable and low carbon UK economy. We are firmly focused on unlocking the potential of cleaner technologies and processes, and I’m grateful this contribution has been recognised.”

Chris, who grew up in Blackhall, County Durham, was last year elected as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering for his outstanding contribution to the profession.

As well as being Editor of international publication Millennium Steel, he is policy chair for Innovation and Enterprise for the Federation of Small Businesses, and a member of the Steel Advisory Board for UK Steel.

Chris will attend the award ceremony in December where he will be joined by IOM3 President Dr Kate Thornton, who said: “I am very much looking forward to the awards presentation later this year – a highlight of the IOM3 calendar. I am particularly looking forward to celebrating their achievements and taking the opportunity to learn more from the winners personally on their career journeys so far.”

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