UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 03 MAY 2019
A leading Black Country professor has landed a prestigious industry honour considered to be the ‘Oscar’ of the civil engineering world.
David Edwards, Professor of Plant and Machinery Management at Birmingham City University, has been named ‘Outstanding Reviewer’ by the American Society of Civil Engineers’ Journal of Construction, Engineering and Management.
The journal is internationally renowned as the leading publication in its field and each year selects one of its 150,000 members, spanning more than 177 countries worldwide, as its Outstanding Reviewer.
This year Gornal-born Professor Edwards was chosen as the winner having contributed to the journal’s growth, as well as to the work of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Speaking after picking up his accolade, Professor Edwards said: “It is an absolute pleasure to accept this award on behalf of Birmingham City University because it provides clear evidence that the tremendous strategic support research within the University yields tangible value and impact recognised globally.
The Professor from Dudley is highly regarded across the globe for his research, which includes engineering design, and machinery health and safety.
His expertise has seen him work alongside the UK and US Departments of Defence, various government bodies and named as a Ghanaian Chief in a special ceremony held in Kumasi.
Earlier this year he picked up his fourth professorship spanning three different continents.
Long term colleagues (Dr DeGraft Owusu-Manu and Professor Edwards Badu) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana said:
“Professor Edwards is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading academics in the field and more importantly, a true gentleman and leader – with his help and assistance, we have built considerable academic momentum within Ghana and now abroad. His instinct and ability to build stronger teams of vibrant academics are second to none. We are delighted for him.”
At the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, Professor Didibhuku Thwala said:
“Professor Edwards holds a Visiting Professorship at our institution (which is one of the premier institutions within the entire continent of Africa) because of his outstanding international profile and passion for civil engineering and construction education. He is a real asset for Birmingham City University and University of Johannesburg and I have no doubt, that this is the first of many prestigious world recognised awards that he will continue to secure. He is a true leader and gentleman and it is a pleasure to work with him.”
Elsewhere and even further afield, Dr Reza M. Hosseini, Deakin University Australia said:
“Professor Edwards has helped to lead and build a very successful team of academics, here at Deakin, in the area of Industry 4.0 applied to the construction and civil engineering industry. He has tremendous motivational skills in academic management and a proven track record that supports his position as one of the world’s best academics in our field. We are indebted to David and grateful for his continued support and mentorship.”
Professor Edwards added: “At the University we differentiate our teaching provisions from our competitors on the basis that our curriculum is infused with high quality educational materials that are research informed.
“This gives graduates the very best education at the cutting edge of knowledge and distinguishes them from their peers to improve their employability rates post securing the degree. I am lucky to work with a diverse team of dynamic academics across the University and internationally – together this success has been made possible – so a special thank you to my colleagues at the University and around the globe. Without your support such achievements would not be possible.”