Prof Colin Bailey welcomes friends to the Night of Science and Engineering 2026 occasion
The occasion, now in its fourth yr, showcases the world main analysis, innovation, and partnership carried out throughout the Faculty. This yr’s occasion, themed ‘Local Impact – Global Reach’, explored how the Faculty of Science and Engineering’s work is delivering optimistic impact domestically and throughout the globe, in step with the Government’s Industry Strategy.
It introduced leaders from business, authorities, charities, and academia, along with senior figures from throughout Queen Mary. Guests engaged with a vibrant programme of audio system and interactive stands, every demonstrating transformative breakthroughs going down throughout science and engineering at Queen Mary.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Colin Bailey, CBE, President and Principal at Queen Mary stated: “Our Night of Science and Engineering demonstrates the best of Queen Mary — excellence, ambition, collaboration and a powerful sense of purpose. This year’s event showed how our work and partnerships are shaping a future that is more sustainable, connected, and equitable and which is delivering positive impact for our local communities and people across the globe.”
Professor Wen Wang, Vice-Principal and Executive Dean for the Faculty of Science and Engineering added: “The Night of Science and Engineering stands as a testament to Queen Mary’s commitment to advancing knowledge, inspiring innovation, and shaping a better world. The breakthroughs displayed during the event illustrate what happens when brilliant researchers collaborate across disciplines and sectors, and show our Faculty and University’s commitment to translating discovery into real-world impact, which partnerships are central to achieving.”
Throughout the night, friends explored interactive displays and have been supplied hands-on insights into analysis spanning power options, robotics, biodiversity, superior supplies, and next-generation digital applied sciences, demonstrating how Queen Mary researchers are addressing crucial world challenges.
The occasion additionally clearly showcased how this analysis is supporting the Government’s Industrial Strategy, which highlights how science, analysis, and innovation are central to the UK’s financial resilience and world competitiveness – a precept that resonates strongly at Queen Mary.
Three excellent PhD researchers demonstrated the breadth and impact of the Faculty’s academic atmosphere on the occasion. Emma Hayashibara shared her analysis creating an inclusive psychological well being evaluation device for neurodivergent younger folks. Daniel Gill highlighted his interdisciplinary work with roboticists and psychologists to grasp interactive movement patterns, serving to to tell extra inclusive expertise design. Dr Zara Arain Saqlan introduced her machine‑studying analysis predicting preterm start as half of the Air Pollution and Pregnancy Clinical Trial, showcasing the Faculty’s energy in making use of superior strategies to main scientific challenges.
Celebrating excellence
A spotlight of this yr’s occasion was the popularity of Professor Yongyuth Yuthavong and Professor David Owens with honorary levels from Queen Mary.
Professor Yongyuth Yuthavong was awarded an Doctor of Sciences in recognition of his lifelong dedication to advancing science for societal profit, in addition to his deep connection to Queen Mary. Professor David Owens was additionally awarded a Doctor of Sciences for his contributions to the UK telecommunications business and engineering occupation.
Professor Yongyuth Yuthavong is a distinguished Thai scientist whose profession spans scientific discovery, nationwide coverage management, and worldwide impact. A chemistry alumnus of Queen Mary College, one of Queen Mary’s founding establishments, Professor Yongyuth Yuthavong subsequently studied on the University of Oxford, later establishing a prolific analysis profession at Mahidol University, the place he turned Professor of Biochemistry. His management in Thailand’s scientific panorama consists of serving as Director, National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (1985–1989), First President, National Science and Technology Development Agency (1991–1998), Minister of Science and Technology (2006–2008) and Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand (2014–2015).
Professor Yuthavong’s quite a few honours embody the Outstanding Scientist of Thailand Award, the Nikkei Asia Prize for Science, Technology and Innovation, and the Dushdi Mala Medal. During his time within the UK, he was additionally half of a senior delegation from King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Thailand hosted by the Faculty, which intention to develop a brand new strategic partnership, which might launch joint engineering programmes in AI, electronics and robotics, whereas increasing analysis collaboration between the 2 establishments.”
Professor David Owens is a distinguished telecommunications engineer whose profession spans greater than 4 many years of innovation and management. He started his profession as an apprentice telecommunications technician within the British Army’s Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, later contributing to safe communications and early mobile networks, earlier than progressing into senior roles at Vodafone and BT Cellnet (O2).
Professor Owens holds an MSc in Mobile and Satellite Communication Systems and accomplished his PhD on the University of Surrey in 2023, following greater than a decade of parttime analysis alongside his business work. A Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, an Associate Fellow of the Women’s Engineering Society, and a Chartered Engineer, Professor Owens continues to bridge analysis and real-world software, shaping the long run of cellular and connectivity applied sciences.
Among different initiatives, he has overseen the event of 5G-enabled drone techniques for search-and-rescue groups, equipping emergency companies with airborne mobile-mast functionality to function in areas with out conventional community protection and his work has been recognised by means of a number of skilled accolades, together with the 2025 Mobile Industry Award for Innovation.