Top IPENZ honour for Jackson
Published by Communications and Development
2 April 2009
Professor Peter Jackson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Engineering) at the University of Canterbury, has been elected a Distinguished Fellow of the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ).
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Professor Peter Jackson. |
IPENZ made the award in recognition of Professor Jackson’s “eminent contribution to the advancement of engineering knowledge, to leadership in the profession of engineering, and in the application of engineering and technology in the community”.
The citation acknowledges Professor Jackson for his “world-leading research in fluid dynamics related to yacht performance, the communication of that expertise to the community, and his leadership contribution to the engineering profession”.
Professor Jackson becomes one of only 45 New Zealanders to hold the title.
“I value my links to the engineering profession and feel a great sense of satisfaction in being acknowledged by my peers in this way,” said Professor Jackson.
“It is also very gratifying to know that academic achievement is valued along with professional practice.”
In a joint citation, IPENZ President Bas Walker and Chief Executive Andrew Cleland, noted Professor Jackson’s “long and successful academic career” stemming back to 1977. He is a former professor and head of Auckland University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering and has headed UC’s College of Engineering since 2004.
“Peter is a world-class expert in wind engineering, yachts and low-speed aerodynamics, and in the process of design. His particular research interests have included aerodynamics of flexible membranes and the application to sails, wings and animal flight.
“Peter established the University of Auckland Yacht Research Unit, which developed a unique ‘twisted flow’ wind tunnel for testing yacht sails, now widely used by Americas Cup syndicates. He was appointed performance analyst for the New Zealand America’s Cup Challenge in 1987 and contributed significantly to the successful challenge.”
Professor Jackson has served on a number of national board and panels, including the Centre for Advanced Engineering and the MacDiarmid Institute. He served as IPENZ President in 2006-2007.
Professor Jackson retires from the University in May.
For further information please contact:
Jeanette Colman
Communications Manager
University of Canterbury
Ph: (03) 364 2260
jeanette.colman@canterbury.ac.nz