A PROMINENT scientist from Largs has been recognised for his exceptional achievements in engineering and computing.
Professor Mark Girolami is the the chief scientist of The Alan Turing Institute and was celebrated at the University of the West of Scotland’s winter graduations.
Mark, who is also a UWS alumni, took part in a prestigious ceremony at Paisley Abbey last Thursday, which marked outstanding past graduates.
He has held the Sir Kirby Laing Professorship of Civil Engineering in the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge since 2019, where he also holds the Royal Academy of Engineering Research Chair in Data Centric Engineering. He has been the chief scientist of the Turing Institute since 2021.
Mark undertook a PhD in statistical signal processing whilst working at the then University of Paisley.
Professor Gordon Morison, dean of the school of computing, engineering and physical sciences at UWS, delivered Mark’s laureation, which reflected on his impressive career in engineering.
Discussing his Honorary Doctorate, Mark said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to receive this award from UWS, particularly as I have strong ties to Paisley, after spending time both working and studying for a PhD in computer science at the institution.
"It has been fantastic to be part of today’s graduation and hear the inspiring success stories of UWS’s students – the next generation of engineers and scientists."
Professor James Miller, principal and vice-chancellor of UWS, said: “Graduation is the most important event in our university calendar, giving us the opportunity to showcase the fantastic achievements of our students and celebrate each and every one of their successes amongst their families and peers.
"As part of the ceremony, we were delighted to present Mark Girolami with this Honorary Doctorate. A friend of UWS, it was wonderful to hear about his impressive career in engineering and I know that many of our students graduating today will have been inspired by the impact he has made in his field."
Mark also played a key role making London a safer place during the pandemic.
When appointed chief scientist at the Turing Institute, he became involved in the prestigious academic centre of excellence which carries out pioneering research into Alzheimer's disease, health and social care, and the impact of Covid-19 on the country.
The former Largs Academy pupil took on responsibility for the creation and delivery of the institute’s scientific and innovation strategy - and also helped revise London's transport strategy to help the capital as it was gripped by coronavirus.
He is a globally renowned research leader whose expertise spans the fields of computing science, statistical science, applied mathematics and engineering.
The 61-year-old has held senior academic professorial posts in some of the UK’s world leading universities, and in addition, brings a wealth of industrial, business, and commercial experience to the role, having worked for a decade with IBM as a chartered engineer.
Mark has also given lectures on pioneering 19th and early 20th century Largs scientist Lord Kelvin and has sought to get him recognised as the 'father of the digital age' for his works, which include the transatlantic telegraph sea cable, which became pivotal in the evolution of the technology we are so familiar with today.
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