The British Geotechnical Association (BGA) has announced that Alex Swallow, a fourth-year visiting DPhil student at the Laing O'Rourke Centre at the University of Cambridge, supervised by Dr Brian Sheil, CSIC Director, has won the 56th Cooling Prize. His outstanding presentation, Grout Injection in Open Caisson Construction, earned him this prestigious award.
Alex's research focuses on reducing carbon emissions in underground construction, particularly in microtunnelling and open caisson shafts. His work combines laboratory modelling, case studies, and numerical simulations to improve design efficiency, reduce material use, and optimise construction methods. His award-winning presentation highlighted the experimental aspects of his research, showcasing innovative techniques and practical applications.
The judging panel selected Alex Swallow for his ability to clearly explain a complex topic, engage the audience, and confidently answer challenging questions. His presentation demonstrated both technical depth and practical relevance.
The Cooling Prize is a prestigious annual competition hosted by the BGA in honour of Dr Leonard Cooling, a pioneering figure in British soil mechanics and a former BGA Chair. The competition recognises and supports early-career professionals in geotechnical and ground engineering, providing a platform to present research and contribute to the field.
The 56th Cooling Prize Competition took place on 12th February 2025 at the University of Leeds. The event was chaired by Charlotte Woodhall-Jones, Discipline Lead at SYSTRA UK & Ireland, and brought together emerging talents in geotechnical engineering to showcase their work.
Congratulations to Alex Swallow on this well-deserved achievement!
Read more here: https://www.britishgeotech.org/alex-swallow-wins-56th-cooling-prize-competition/