Two research teams from the University of Dundee have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to engineering and urban planning with prestigious awards from the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

A geotechnical engineering team led by Professor Michael Brown from the School of Science and Engineering received the Telford Medal for their groundbreaking work on silent foundation systems for offshore renewable energy applications. This is the second year in a row that Professor Brown's team has been honored by the ICE.

In addition, Professor Husam AlWaer, Chair of Urban Design at the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD), was awarded the George Stephenson Medal for his research in urban design and planning. This marks the fourth time in eight years that Professor AlWaer has received an ICE award.


The University of Dundee's continued success in securing ICE awards highlights its commitment to excellence in research and its contribution to advancing the field of civil engineering.

Professor Brown said: "We are delighted to receive this award and celebrate two years of double success for Dundee."

His team worked with a leading industry partner, Heerema Marine Contractors, to develop two silent piling products – a screw foundation for wind turbines and another foundation system which self-installs.

These screw piles and so-called push-in piles can be installed without loud hammering or subsequent need for mitigation measures to reduce noise levels, greatly reducing the impact on marine life during construction.

The silent foundations system also won the Environmental Sustainability Award from the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) last year.

Professor AlWaer receives his award for his paper Design and Use of Space in Refugee Camps: A Case Study of a Contested Terrain, published in the Urban Design and Planning Journal by Emerald Publishing last year.

Professor AlWaer's work studied changes to the set-up of accommodation units made by refugees at Al Za'atari, the largest Syrian refugee camp in the world, and the social impact of those changes, resulting in a sense of community.

He said: "I am thrilled to win these prestige awards and proud to be recognised for making a contribution to the urban design and planning community.

"Winning awards is really inspiring and encourages me to push the boundaries further with more intensive and innovative research efforts."